February 15, 2011

Later this week, the U.S. House will consider a budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2011.  The current funding proposal (called a "continuing resolution") expires on March 4, 2011.  Analysis released today shows that the budget proposal will have a devastating impact on education in Iowa if enacted.  Below, please find some specific details.

Harkin's full statement on the budget proposals before Congress can be found here: http://harkin.senate.gov/press/release.cfm?i=331165.

"From crib to college, Iowa students will be at a disadvantage if the House proposal is enacted," said Harkin.  "There is no question that the time has come for tough budget decisions, but the smart way to bring down the deficit is for Congress to pursue a balanced approach of major spending cuts and necessary revenue increases, while continuing to make investments in education.  That is the only way our country will remain competitive in the global economy and create good jobs that provide a sustained economic expansion in the years ahead."

Head Start:
The House proposal would eliminate comprehensive early childhood services nationwide for 218,000 low-income children and their families next year (a cut of over 20 percent), close over 16,000 Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, and lay off 55,000 teachers, teacher assistants, and related staff.

• Estimated Impact on Iowa: 1,794 fewer kids in Iowa will have access to Head Start services.

Title I Grants:
The House plan cuts an additional $5 billion from the Department of Education, including slashing Title I education funding by nearly $700 million, meaning 2,400 schools serving 1 million disadvantaged students could lose funding, and approximately 10,000 teachers and aides could lose their jobs.

• Estimated Impact on Iowa: our state would see a cut of more than $4.5 million in grants to local educational agencies.

Special Education:
The House Republican proposal would cut almost $600 million in federal special education funding.   This reduction could lead to the loss of 7,000 education staff serving such students.

• Estimated Impact on Iowa: Lost jobs and potentially higher state and local taxes to make up for the loss of more than $5 million in federal funds to support special education.

Pell Grant program:
The House proposal cuts the maximum Pell Grant award by $845 per student from $5,550 to $4,705, a 15 percent cut.

• Estimated Impact on Iowa:

Under current funding levels:
Aid Available $809,200,000
Average Award: $3,937

Under the House Proposal:
Aid Available $675,700,000
Average Award: $3,290

For more information, please call Kate Cyrul or Bergen Kenny in Senator Harkin's press office at (202) 224-3254.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Representative F. James Sensenbrenner (WI-05) today introduced legislation in both the House and the Senate to create an Inspector General for the Judicial Branch.

The House bill would cover only the federal and appellate courts while the Senate bill would allow the Inspector General to also conduct oversight of the Supreme Court.  The bills put in place safeguards so inspectors general do not interfere with judicial decisions.  The legislation also includes whistleblower protections for individuals within the judicial branch.

Grassley and Sensenbrenner said that increased credibility within the judicial branch of government would be greatly enhanced with an independent watchdog shedding light on waste, fraud and abuse within the federal judiciary.  The 2006 Breyer Committee Report acknowledged problems with the enforcement of judicial discipline.

"Federal judges should live by the highest of standards.  When misconduct, waste, fraud and abuse occur, the public's confidence in the federal judiciary is eroded," Grassley said. "A good inspector general can detect, expose and deter problems and restore accountability with the American people."

Congressman Sensenbrenner said, "Creating an independent Inspector General for the Judicial Branch will help provide the American public with some peace of mind that there is oversight over those entrusted with the grave responsibility of interpreting the laws of the land."

Grassley is the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sensenbrenner is the Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. He is the former Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Summary of The Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2011

·         Establishes the Office of Inspector General for the Judicial Branch, who shall be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for a specific term of service of four years.  Gives the Chief Justice express authority to remove the Inspector General from office.

·         Specifies duties of the Inspector General, which include (1) to conduct investigations of alleged misconduct of judges in the judicial branch (Senate version includes the Supreme Court), that may require oversight or other action by Congress; (2) to conduct and supervise audits and investigations; (3) to prevent and detect waste, fraud and abuse; and (4) to recommend changes in laws or regulations governing the Judicial Branch.

·         Provides powers for the Inspector General, which include (1) to make investigations and reports; (2) to obtain information or assistance from any Federal, State or local agency, or other entity, or unit thereof, including all information kept in the course of business by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the judicial council of circuits, the administrative office of United States courts, and the United States Sentencing Commission; (3) to require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance for the taking of testimony of any witnesses and the production of any documents, which shall be enforceable by civil action; (4) to administer or to take an oath or affirmation from any person; (5) to employ officers and employees; (6) to obtain all necessary services; and (7) to enter into contracts or other arrangements to obtain services as needed.

·         Requires the Inspector General to (1) to provide the Chief Justice and Congress with an annual report on the Inspector General's operations; (2) to make prompt reports to the Chief Justice and to Congress on matters which may require further action; and (3) to refer to the Department of Justice any matter that may constitute a criminal violation.

·         Prohibits the Inspector General from investigating or reviewing the merits of a judicial decision.  The investigatory powers of the Inspector General are limited to only alleged misconduct under the "Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980."

·         Requires the Inspector General to commence an investigation only after the judiciary has conducted its review of an ethical complaint under the 1980 Act.

·         Establishes whistleblower protections for individuals within the Judicial Branch.

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MILWAUKEE, WI - TOPS Club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nation's oldest weight-loss support organization, has released a new video to help educate people on the dangers of obesity and being overweight. The video also seeks to motivate viewers through a series of dramatic testimonials from TOPS members who have lost substantial weight through the TOPS nutrition and exercise plans and other members' support. The video is available to view at the TOPS website, www.tops.org.

Narrated by Nicholas "Dr. Nick" Yphantides, M.D., M.P.H., an executive medical consultant to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency and co-chair of San Diego County's Childhood Obesity Initiative, the video also features interviews with researchers from the TOPS Obesity and Metabolic Research Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. TOPS, a nonprofit organization, has been actively involved in the clinical study of obesity since 1965 and has contributed over $6.5 million to the Medical College of Wisconsin in support of these efforts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), two-thirds of the U.S. population is now overweight and as many as 72 million adults are considered obese. About one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate of 1963. Obese children also have an 80% chance of staying obese their entire lives. Research has shown that, for adults, as weight increases, the risks for the following preventable, chronic conditions also increase: coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, hypertension, stroke, and more. Obesity costs U.S. companies an estimated $45 billion per year and 39 million lost workdays.

To help temper this trend and increase overall wellness for its members, TOPS promotes lasting, affordable weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness information, and support from others at weekly chapter meetings. Founded and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., more than 63 years ago, TOPS has approximately 170,000 members in about 10,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

Recent findings from what is believed to be the largest study of a weight-loss program in the United States indicate that TOPS is effective and associated with clinically significant weight loss among participants who remain in the program for at least one year.

According to a study published in "Obesity," the official journal of The Obesity Society, TOPS members who participated over a consecutive period of one to three years lost between 5.9% and 7.1% of their initial weight. People who remained in the program maintained that weight loss for up to three years.

In addition to regular group meetings designed to reinforce healthy habits, the TOPS program includes a six-week "quick-start" guide, "My Day One," and TOPS' lifestyle guide, "The Choice Is Mine." Membership also includes a one-year subscription to "TOPS News," the organization's members-only magazine.

The researchers noted a substantial difference in cost between nonprofit TOPS and commercial weight-loss programs, like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig. TOPS' annual membership fee is $26 in the United States and $30 in Canada, plus nominal chapter fees (on average, $5 per month) collected for local chapter expenses. There are no special foods to purchase. Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. To find a local chapter, go to www.tops.org or call 1-800-932-8677.

As noted in the new video, members of TOPS lost a combined total of 431 tons in 2009. Regular chapter meetings, awards programs, and regional events comprise a system of recognition and positive reinforcement for TOPS members on the wellness journey. Goal weights are set in consultation with members' health-care professionals. About 80,000 members have achieved significant weight loss and are maintaining it with the support of TOPS and the support its members provide for each other. Maintaining one's weight loss is believed to be one of the most challenging parts of successful weight management.

For additional information about TOPS and to view the new motivational video, go to www.tops.org. 

For more information on the TOPS chapters in your area, visit www.tops.org and click "Find a Meeting." If you would like to speak with a local representative from TOPS, please contact us.

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Finance Senators' Rural Heritage Conservation Extension Act Would Permanently Extend Tax Breaks for Donating Land for Protection

Washington, DC - February 16, 2011 - Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) have introduced legislation to permanently extend income tax relief for ranchers, farmers and other landowners who donate agricultural land for conservation.

"This bill rewards ranchers and farmers in Montana and across the country who want to conserve our land and preserve open space for their kids and grandkids," said Baucus. "Our nation is losing precious agricultural and ranch lands at a record pace, resulting in a loss of natural habitats for wildlife and open spaces for our communities.  We need to protect our land for future generations and to support the ranchers, farmers and other landowners who rely on it to make a living.  These tax incentives provide the right tools to help landowners move toward conservation."

 

"Economists say if you want more of a certain behavior, give incentives to encourage the behavior," Grassley said.  "Land conservation is something people want.  Farmers already practice good stewardship of the land used for production agriculture.  Conserving land is another example of good stewardship."

The Rural Heritage Conservation Extension Act of 2011 would permanently extend an increase in the maximum tax deduction for charitable contributions of conservation easements from 30 percent to 50 percent of adjusted gross income (AGI).  The bill further benefits farmers and ranchers by permanently extending the current law allowing a charitable deduction for up to 100 percent of AGI for their donations of conservation easements.  Any unused deduction can be carried forward for up to 15 years.

Baucus and Grassley first introduced legislation to create an enhanced conservation easement tax deduction in 2006 as part of the Pension Protection Act.  The provision was subsequently extended in the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 and the Taxpayer Relief, Unemployment Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010.  The tax deduction currently expires at the end of 2011.  In 2009, the Senators introduced legislation to make the enhanced deduction permanent.

The text of the Rural Heritage Conservation Extension Act of 2011 can be found on the Finance Committee website here: http://finance.senate.gov/legislation/.

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