24 May 2011

Treasurer Fitzgerald Cautions, This Isn't the Wild West

By Michael Fitzgerald

DES MOINES, IA (05/24/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald responded today to Governor Branstad's claims of being the "new sheriff in town." "This isn't the Wild West, we aren't looking for Wyatt Earp to come in and have a shoot out," Fitzgerald said. "We are looking for a leader that can compromise and do what is in the best interest of all Iowans."

"The state of Iowa is in a strong financial position," Fitzgerald stated. "Governor Branstad is trying to convince Iowans there is a fiscal mess to clean up. I've been sending the same message for over a year - Iowa is fiscally sound." Fitzgerald pointed to a balanced budget, a projected $400 million dollar surplus, $600 million in the reserves, and a AAA credit rating as indicators to counter Branstad's claims.

"Mohandas Gandhi once said, "I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people" Fitzgerald quoted. "I urge the Governor to take off the sheriff's badge, roll up his sleeves and work on a compromise for all Iowans."

24 May 2011

Home from war, Marine to receive his Victory Motorcycle

By Operation Graditude

May 24, 2011 -- Operation Gratitude today announced that on Sunday, June 5 a Marine infantryman recently returned from Afghanistan will be given the Victory Vegas 8-Ball Motorcycle promised in the organization's milestone 600,000th Care Package assembled in December, 2010.

 

The milestone package was delivered on Christmas day by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James Amos, to a Lance Corporal with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, who at the time was serving a seven-month deployment in the deadly Sangin district of Afghanistan's Helmand province.  The name of the Marine who received the 600,000th care package will be revealed at the event on June 5.

Marine1

L-R: Sgt.Maj. Kent, Lt.Col. Morris, LCpl., Gen. Amos in Sangin, AFG; 12/25/10

 

The 3/5, also known as "Dark Horse Battalion," experienced heavy combat throughout the deployment, with 25 of its men killed and more than 150 wounded. The 600,000th package recipient, along with his 3/5 comrades, returned to Camp Pendleton in April. The Marine, who received the package containing symbolic keys attached to a letter describing the bike, was recently promoted to Corporal and will join the Operation Gratitude volunteers and guests at the armory to receive the motorcycle generously donated by Victory Motorcycles.

 

Victory Motorcycles' External Relations Manager, Robert Pandya, will make the presentation. Pandya believes the motorcycle is a symbol of thanks to the men and women who serve in all branches of the Military.

 

"Victory Motorcycles is proud to be part of the 600,000th Operation Gratitude package," said Pandya, adding, "While our motorcycle represents the chance to explore the freedoms of the open road,

it is the hard work and sacrifices of our troops around the world and at home that give everyone in America that opportunity."

 

Among the guests at the California Army National Guard armory on June 5, the anniversary of President Ronald Reagan's passing, will be Michael Reagan, members of his family and representatives of the Reagan Legacy Foundation. They will join hundreds of volunteers at the armory to assemble care packages for the 5,000 crew members deployed aboard aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, named in honor of the 40th President of the United States. Care packages will also be assembled and shipped to the crew of guided-missile destroyer USS Preble and guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville, both currently serving in the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group.

 

The media and members of the public (aged 12 years and older) are invited to attend the day's activities.


WHAT: Marine Corporal receives Victory Vegas 8-Ball Motorcycle and Operation Gratitude Volunteers assemble Care Packages for the Crew of USS Ronald Reagan, USS Preble and the USS Chancellorsville

WHEN: Sunday June 5, 2011
Care Package Assembly starts at 9 a.m.
Program and Motorcycle Presentation will occur: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

 

WHERE: California National Guard Armory
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Corner of Victory and Louise; parking available on adjacent lot

24 May 2011

Urgent: Support Research Funding Write Congress Before May 31

By Kevin S. Johnson

Your voice is needed again?this time in the U.S. Senate.  Please write to your Senators and ask them to support research funding for prostate cancer at the Prostate Cancer Research Program.

The PCRP is critical to advancing prostate cancer research from the lab to the bedside. Funding provided by the program has accelerated the availability of drugs like XGEVA and ZYTIGA, but unless you stand up to support research funding, we could lose this valuable tool to combat prostate cancer.

Please write your U.S. Senators today.  Urge them to sign Senator Johnson's letter to the Appropriations Committee to provide funding for the Prostate Cancer Research Program. The deadline to sign the letter is June 3 - so don't wait.  WRITE your Senators TODAY.

CLICK HERE to write your Senator today!

 

Thank you for your support.

24 May 2011

Braley Calls for Assessment of Proposed Delta-US Airways Deal

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - May 24, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) called on Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to provide a state-by-state assessment of the impact of the proposed Delta Airlines-US Airways slot swap deal. Rep. Braley sent a letter to LaHood raising concerns about the possible effect of this deal on states like Iowa, which have limited flight options and depend heavily on a few carriers such as Delta.

"Iowa families and businesses have long expressed frustration at the lack of options when it comes to air travel and I don't want to see our choices limited even further," said Rep. Braley. "Delta is a major carrier in Iowa and numerous communities across the country. I strongly believe that we should assess the possible effects of a deal like this and we should know what impact this would have on personal and business travel to and from our communities."

A copy of Rep. Braley's letter is available here: http://go.usa.gov/jzV

# # #

24 May 2011

Treasurer Fitzgerald Reminds Iowans it is Their Last Chance to Celebrate 529 Day

By Michael Fitzgerald

Register for a chance to win a $529 College Savings Iowa Account

DES MOINES, IA (05/24/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald wants to remind Iowans it is their last chance to celebrate 529 Day by registering to win a $529 College Savings Iowa account for a child in their life. "I encourage everyone to register for the giveaway and explore the benefits of using a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa, to save for their loved ones' future higher education expenses," Fitzgerald said. "By starting early, saving a little at a time and making smart investment choices, families can make their savings work for them." For more information and to register for the giveaway, please visit www.my529iowaplan.com before May 31.

May 29, 529 Day, helps bring attention to the fact that saving for college is one of the most significant things families can do for the children in their lives. Those who begin putting away money early and save little by little can, over time, make their college savings add up to a significant amount. Because saving for future educational expenses is so important, Iowa families are encouraged to open a College Savings Iowa account for a special child in their life.

College Savings Iowa offers families a tax advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $2,865 per beneficiary from their 2011 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.* Investors can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, please visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The earnings portion of non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

###

Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.

24 May 2011

IOWA FARM BUREAU PARTNERS WITH VAN WALL ENERGY, MAKING WIND ENERGY MORE AFFORDABLE FOR IOWANS

By Laurie Johns

Farm Bureau Members Save up to $10,000 Through Exclusive Partnership

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - May 24, 2011 - Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) members interested in creating more energy efficiencies of their homes and farms are now eligible for exclusive savings of $2,500 to $10,000 on required maintenance agreements with the purchase of an Endurance personal wind turbine from Van Wall Energy.

Van Wall Energy is a new division of Van Wall Group, the popular Iowa equipment manufacturer and the exclusive distributor of Endurance personal wind turbines in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska.

The Endurance E-3120 turbine produces up to 200,000 kilowatt hours (kwh) of energy a year and the smaller S-343 turbine produces up to 19,000 kwh annually.  Members interested in purchasing one of these turbines will receive the required 5-year maintenance agreement at no charge, saving $10,000 to $2,500, respectively on the maintenance agreements.

"That's a tremendous value to farmers and Iowans who are looking for ways to be more efficient and environmentally-friendly," said Craig Lang, president of IFBF.  "Farm Bureau's philosophy has always been to promote renewable energy and partner with those who can help the market flourish in Iowa so we can do more using fewer resources.  We're pleased to offer our members this new energy benefit that will help reduce their overall energy costs."

"Iowa is the best state for developing a renewable energy market, ranking second in wind energy production," said Don Van Houweling, president of Van Wall Group.  "We're pleased to partner with a group that has been on the forefront of that market. Our experience with farmers shows they are always innovating and looking for ways to increase efficiencies while reducing their carbon footprint.

Iowans know a wind turbine is a good investment because in these times of rising energy costs, it allows them to essentially 'lock in' their electricity costs for the future.  And, the timing is right because they can also increase their savings if they apply for the 30 percent tax credit, currently available from the federal government.  Alliant Energy also offers a cash-back reward up to $30,000 to many of their customers," said Van Houweling.

For more information on this new benefit, contact Iowa Farm Bureau on our toll-free member helpline (866) 598-3693 or visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.

-30 -

24 May 2011

'Nothing Compares' to the Iowa State Fair's Free Stage Line-up

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (05/24/2011)(readMedia)-- The 2011 Iowa State Fair free stage entertainment is loaded with some of the nation's hottest acts. From rock legends to promising up-and-comers, "Nothing Compares" to the star-studded line-up, all free with gate admission. The Iowa State Fair runs August 11-21.

Winner of the 2010 American Country Music Award for Top Vocal Group, The Band Perry has garnered multiple other honors including a nomination from CMT for their 2011 Music Video of the Year featuring the platinum, number-one hit single "If I Die Young." The band's newest top-ten single, "You Lie," continues to gain popularity with their loyal fan base.

1960s icons Jay and the Americans have produced an unprecedented 12 top-ten albums and more than 20 pop standards including "This Magic Moment" and "Come a Little Bit Closer."

Named one of the top five must-see vocal groups in America, Tonic Sol-fa has sold more than two million albums since their debut in 1995. Today, the all-male a cappella group continues to rise in popularity as they tour the U.S. making over 150 appearances annually.

Thirty acts, including more crowd-pleasing favorites like The Oak Ridge Boys and Tenth Avenue North will be featured on the Fair's five free stages. Throughout the 11 days, Fairgoers can enjoy more than half a million dollars worth of free entertainment.

A complete listing of event dates, times and locations follows:

Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage sponsored by KCCI NewsChannel 8

August 11-13 The Nadas (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 14 Martin Sexton (8 p.m.)

August 15 Josh Kelley (8 p.m.)

August 16 Sarah Darling (8 p.m.)

August 17 Ying Yang Twins (8 p.m.)

August 18 Brother Trucker (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 19-20 The Blue Band (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 21 Here Come the Mummies (7:30 p.m.)

Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi

August 11-12 Tonic Sol-fa (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 13 Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation (7 p.m.)

August 14 The Johnny Holm Band (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 15 All Star Weekend (8 p.m.)

August 16-20 Ron Diamond (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 21 Tenth Avenue North (8 p.m.)

Budweiser Stage sponsored by ABC5

August 11-13 Jay and the Americans (8 p.m.)

August 14-15 Confederate Railroad (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 16-17 Georgia Satellites (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 18-19 Lovin' Spoonful (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 20-21 Paul Revere and the Raiders (8 p.m.)

Susan Knapp Amphitheater with media sponsor KDSM FOX 17

August 11 The Oak Ridge Boys (8 p.m.)

August 12-13 Jason Brown (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 14 Jason Michael Carroll (8 p.m.)

August 15-16 Hairball (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 17 The Band Perry (8 p.m.)

August 18 Stealing Angels (8 p.m.)

August 19 Country Gold featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Jeannie Kendall, Eddy Raven and T. Graham Brown (6 & 8:30 p.m.)

August 20 Blaine Larsen (8 p.m.)

August 21 Lee Brice (7 p.m.)

Fun Forest Stage (all shows ASL interpreted)

There will be no 11, 11:30 or Noon shows on Friday, August 12th due to VSA opening ceremonies.

August 11-21 Kids Celebration (11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m.)

August 11-21 Mr. Stinky Feet (11:30 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m.)

August 11-21 Ray Thompson, The Mind Wizard presented by VSA Iowa Fest (Noon, 2 & 4 p.m.)

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

* * *

24 May 2011

Independent Scholars' Evening

By Narveen Aryaputri
Due to requests from our co-learners at the ISE, we are continuing through the summer this year, or at least throught the next month till demand stays.  Past custom has been to close for the summer by the middle of  May to reopen in the middle of  Septemeber. This year we are responding to requests to continue ISE.
This summer we will be making entires in the manuscript kept at the Institute. This hand written manuscript is titled: "  Life on the Mississippi: The New Mellinium"  and is about what life is along the Mississpi living in historic river towns along the Mississippi.
All entries are open to the public and hand written with archieval pens provided by the Institute.
Come in and write your memory.
you are leaving a peice of  you that will continue to be handed down generation to generation, long after we are no longer here.
its a peice of  history...
in the making...
Continued  discussions on the presentation by Michael Rosenthal will be held. This discussion is also continuing online on LinkedIn under QC Independent Scholars group discussion. Please join in.
Everyones input is vital and valuable for us all.
Independent Scholars' Evenings are free and open to the public.
Second Floor ofn the Moline Club.
7.00p.m doors open at 6.30pm.
light refreshments and wine are served.
The Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. a 501(c)3 at state and federal level organisation according to US.
laws.
The Institute was incorporated in 1996.
24 May 2011

House Passes Braley's Andrew Connolly Bill Unanimously

By Rick Martin

Washington, DC - Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed Congressman Bruce Braley's bill, the Andrew Connolly Veterans' Housing Act, as part of a larger legislative package. This bipartisan bill willextend a grant program to help injured and disabled veterans retrofit theirhomes after they return from combat. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate.

"Today is a very important day for many young men and women who return from combat with severe life-altering injuries and find that the fight is far from over," said Rep. Braley. "Veterans like Andrew Connolly return to a completely new life - with new, special needs. I'm very proud that today the House unanimously voted to ensure that these brave veterans have the support they need to adjust to their new lives, reach their full potential, and feel comfortable in their homes."

 

The Andrew Connolly Veterans' Housing Act is named after Andrew Connolly of Dubuque - a constituent of Rep. Braley's who returned from Iraq with a tumor in his spine and is now restricted to a wheelchair. With Rep. Braley's help, Connolly was able to get a grant that allowed him to move into a wheelchair-accessible home.

Earlier this month, Connolly testified on veterans' housing grant programs in front of Rep. Braley's Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

A video of Connolly's testimony is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3haDUPFAPvo

A video of Rep. Braley's commentary is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYKuJ-BRqdE

Both files are available to be downloaded here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/21501138/Braley-Connolly-Video.zip

High-resolution photos from Connolly's testimony are available here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/repbraley/5684184385/in/set-72157626640156192/

# # #

24 May 2011

Harkin, 40 Senators Urge Extension of Trade Assistance so Workers Can Remain Competitive

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a letter to President Obama, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today joined a group of 41 Senators in urging an extension of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), including a long term extension of the 2009 bipartisan reforms, before the president submits pending trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama.  TAA provides benefits to jobless workers adversely affected by foreign trade, including partial wage replacement and training assistance.  The 2009 reforms expanded these benefits to additional workers, such as workers in the service sector.  Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

Since TAA reforms were implemented in May 2009, an estimated 435,000 workers nationally were certified to receive TAA services, approximately 185,000 of those workers might not have been eligible without the 2009 reforms.  More than 4100 Iowa workers currently rely on this assistance.  Since the 2009 reforms expired earlier this year, the Labor Department has had to deny workers' TAA petitions filed under pre-2009 eligibility rules.

"We agree with you that strengthening the safety net for the middle class by extending TAA should be a prerequisite for the consideration of new trade agreements," wrote the lawmakers.  

The full text of the letter follows.  It was also signed by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA, Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Carl Levin (D-MI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tom Udall (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Al Franken (D-MN), Amy Klobuchar (D-NM), Herb Kohl (D-WI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Mark Begich (D-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kay Hagan (D-NC), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Mark Udall (D-CO), Jon Tester (D-MT), Tom Carper (D-DE), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT).

May 23, 2011

President Barack Obama
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Obama:

We share the goal of your National Export Initiative to double U.S. exports and are looking forward to working with you on implementing a strong trade and competitiveness strategy. We are writing to support your decision to insist that Congress agree to extend Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), including a long term extension of the 2009 bipartisan reforms, before you submit the pending trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama. We recognize, as you do, that such a deal will be challenging to secure because it requires significant bipartisan commitments in both chambers of Congress to vote in favor of a TAA extension. The challenge is worth it. We agree with you that strengthening the safety net for the middle class by extending TAA should be a prerequisite for the consideration of new trade agreements

TAA has been a core pillar of U.S. trade policy. The program ensures that workers who lose their jobs and financial security as a result of globalization have an opportunity to transition to new jobs and emerging sectors of the economy. Important reforms were made to TAA in 2009, which have helped streamline the program and make it more efficient for beneficiaries. In 2009, Congress also expanded eligibility to all workers whose jobs have been moved offshore, regardless of whether the United States has a trade agreement with the particular country. It also recognized the important role of the service industry in the U.S. economy by bringing service workers into TAA.

The program also improved and expanded access to TAA's Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) - an initiative that promotes private health insurance access for recipients, and makes health insurance coverage more affordable to workers who lose their jobs due to trade and offshoring.  In the absence of this program, more Americans would need public assistance and more individuals nearing retirement would be forced to use the emergency room as their sole source of health care.

These bipartisan reforms to the TAA program help hundreds of thousands of workers, in every state, by moving workers more quickly from government support to private sector jobs. Since TAA reforms began in May 2009, the program has assisted 185,000 Americans who may have otherwise been ineligible for services. The 2009 reforms also help ensure accountability and results by requiring data on performance and worker outcomes, enabling Congress to identify where improvements are needed.  Unfortunately, these critical TAA reforms expired on February 12, 2011. Just this month, the Department of Labor denied the first three petitions filed by groups of workers seeking TAA assistance under pre-2009 eligibility. The continued denial of critical training will impede private sector employment in emerging sectors of the economy.

While we the undersigned may have differing views on elements of the trade agenda - with some of us looking forward to supporting the pending trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama, and others skeptical of the impact of the agreements -we are unified in our belief that the first order of business, before we should consider any FTA, is securing a long-term TAA extension.  

We look forward to working with you to extend and implement TAA as part of a broader trade and competitiveness strategy that creates jobs and builds the middle class.

Sincerely,

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