Council will Focus on Increasing Innovation and Economic Growth

SPRINGFIELD - February 16, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn announced today during his budget address the creation of the Illinois Innovation Council, which will help ensure the state remains on the cutting-edge in the global economy.  The council, which is chaired by Groupon Co-Founder Brad Keywell, is made up of key business executives across a variety of critical sectors, along with science, technology and university leaders.

"By harnessing our resources and coordinating our efforts, by putting scientists and inventors in touch with businesses and investors, and by placing significant private-sector investment behind the best ideas in our state, we will create the jobs of today and tomorrow right here in Illinois," Governor Quinn said.

The council will promote the role and importance of innovation in economic development and quality of life; convene and partner with academic, business and governments to evaluate and recommend initiatives to improve support for innovation, and align public and private resources. The council will also develop methods to identify, promote and attract innovation-driven enterprises and individuals to Illinois, in order to grow existing industry clusters and contribute to the development of new clusters. It will also develop policies to cultivate and retain entrepreneurs, innovative researchers and other enterprises.

"There is nothing more important for Illinois' economic future than creating an environment throughout the state that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship on a daily basis.  Governor Quinn and I both believe that Illinois has all of the assets and attributes to continue thriving on the world stage, but we must keep pushing the envelope in both the public and private sector to make this a reality," Keywell said.

The council, which was a recommendation of the Governor's Economic Recovery Commission, will meet at least four times over the next year, starting in March.  The Illinois Science and Technology Coalition, an independent, not-for-profit organization, will also assist the council.  A complete list of members is attached.

For more information and copies of Governor Quinn's operating and capital budget proposals for fiscal year 2012, please visit Budget.Illinois.gov.

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We are excited to announce our first annual 5k race the Showboat Shuffle fundraiser.  This is a competitive run that kicks off the Showboat 2011 summer season. Awards will be given for this run along the Clinton bike path.

When: May 22, 2011 - 8 AM

Start: Clinton Showboat - 303 Riverview Dr. Clinton, IA. 60545

Cost: $22 before May 6 - $27 after

T-Shirt  and post race refreshments included

Register at Brinkman Building Center in Fulton, IL, in Clinton at Clinton Printon, or click below to register online.

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=wo5crzdab&oeidk=a07e3f1vld68540f8fd&oseq=a018jgc82czst

rlm@iowatelecom.net

When Cliff, a veteran from the Vietnam War, sought assistance from my office, his claim had been pending with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for more than three years.  He was suffering from cancer, yet the VA had not approved him for service-connected disability benefits from exposure to Agent Orange.  Due to his declining health, my office asked the VA to expedite his claim.  Cliff received a significant back-payment and was approved for monthly benefits as well.   

Debbie contacted my office because her son Jason was experiencing difficulty getting on the Section 8 housing assistance program waiting list in Des Moines.  Jason lives with a disability and unfortunately applied for the wrong housing program during the application period.  The housing authority told Debbie that Jason must wait until the next year to get on the list.  My office inquired with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - the agency that provides the funds for the Section 8 program - and asked them to consider Jason for their waiting list.  HUD contacted the housing authority, which determined it would be reasonable to add Jason to the waiting list because, due to his disability, he may have been confused about the application packet he picked up.

For nearly 200 years, members of the Senate have been assisting constituents like Cliff and Debbie when they need help dealing with the federal government.  I believe this is one of my most important duties as your Senator.  During my time serving Iowa in the Senate, my office has worked to resolve more than 90,000 cases for Iowans.  The importance of this role cannot be overstated.  

If you are seeking information from the federal government and have not been able to find an answer, my staff may be able to help.  Members of my staff can answer common questions that arise when fellow Iowans apply for benefits or seek services from our government.

Keep in mind, a U.S. Senator and staff cannot force a federal government agency to decide an issue in one's favor or overturn a decision that is within the law and final.  In both the examples above, the outcome was favorable not because my office intervened, but because these Iowans were due the benefits and services they sought.  My office helped facilitate the processes involved in these cases and thankfully a favorable outcome was reached.  It is also important to note that a U.S. Senator cannot intervene in a matter before the courts, or any decision made by a judge.  If you are experiencing legal difficulty, consulting with an attorney is the best way to assure that your interests are well-represented.   

In most cases, my office will need a signed privacy release form from anyone seeking assistance with a federal agency.  Once the appropriate caseworker on my staff has been engaged and this privacy statement is signed, my office can begin to work on your case.

For more information, or to access a privacy release form online, visit my website at harkin.senate.gov .

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Washington, DC - February 15, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) introduced an amendment that would force offices in the Legislative branch to buy American-made products when using taxpayer funds. Rep. Braley offered the "Buy American" amendment to the Republican budget that is being debated and voted on this week.   

"Every day, I hear members in the House chamber talk about supporting American workers and the products they make. This amendment makes us put our money where our mouth is," said Rep. Braley.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that there will be no additional costs from this amendment.

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