CHICAGO - January 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today released a statement in support of the federal Affordable Care Act:

"The Affordable Care Act has already provided Illinois with many of the tools and resources needed to ensure that more of our families and employers have access to important health care benefits and consumer protections.

Through Illinois' federally-funded high risk pool, we have secured health coverage and financial security for more than 1,000 people who were denied coverage by health insurance companies because of pre-existing conditions. We are currently expanding that program to ensure access to affordable and comprehensive health coverage for even more individuals who have been denied private coverage.

We have seen 121,000 Illinois seniors receive $250 rebate checks to help cover the costs of prescription drugs. And health insurance companies must now cover immunizations, mammograms and other important preventative care procedures without charging the high deductibles and co-payments that once deterred consumers from routine checkups.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, more students graduating from college in Illinois can remain covered under their parents' health insurance policies. And children in Illinois can no longer be denied health coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

We intend to implement the Affordable Care Act so that our families and employers have appropriate health care options and much-needed financial security. Everyone in Illinois deserves access to meaningful and affordable health care.

I urge the 112th Congress to move this country forward in positive, constructive debate focused on affordable health care for all Americans, rather than re-visiting the politics of the past."

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Harkin: Health Reform Has Delivered Prescription Drug Relief to Nearly 40,000 Iowans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 21, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that according to numbers released by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, 39,430 Iowans who fell into the Medicare drug coverage gap known as the 'donut hole' in 2010 have been mailed a one-time, tax-free $250 rebate check.  To date, 3 million Americans affected by the donut hole have received reimbursement checks.  Senator Harkin chairs the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee, which facilitates funding for the Department of Health and Human Services.  

"Too many Iowans are experiencing a gap in prescription drug coverage just when they needed it most," Senator Harkin said.  "One of the achievements of health reform has been to fix this injustice by lowering prescription drugs costs in Medicare until the donut hole is closed.  Today I am proud to announce that 39,430 Iowans have received one time, tax-free payments of $250 to help them cover expenses."

These checks are only the first step in how the Affordable Care Act, the health reform law, will reduce prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries in the donut hole each year until it is closed in 2020.  Starting this year, eligible beneficiaries in the coverage gap will receive a 50 percent discount on covered brand name medications while in the donut hole.  In addition, in 2011 Medicare will begin paying 7 percent of the price for generic drugs during the coverage gap.

The closing of the donut hole is just one of the ways seniors benefit from the Affordable Care Act. In addition to savings on prescription drugs, the law provides new benefits to Medicare beneficiaries when they visit their doctor starting this year:

•    As of January 1, 2011,  Original Medicare no longer charges out-of-pocket costs for the "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam and, for the first time since the Medicare program was created in 1965, Original Medicare now covers an annual wellness visit with a participating doctor, also at no cost.

•    In addition to these annual wellness visits, most people with Medicare can now receive critical preventive services, including certain cancer screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies, for free.

•    Also this year, the Affordable Care Act will provide qualifying doctors and other health care professionals providing primary care to people on Medicare a 10-percent bonus for primary care services.  This will help ensure that those primary care providers can continue to be there for Medicare patients.

Iowans with Medicare can learn more about these new benefits, search for participating doctors in their area, and find other helpful information by contacting a trained customer service representative toll-free at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visiting www.Medicare.gov.

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Harkin: EPA Decision on E15 an Important Step in Energy Strategy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 21, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today applauded the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announcement that it will approve gasoline blends containing up to 15 percent ethanol (also known as E15) for year 2001 and newer vehicles.  On October 13, 2010, the EPA made the decision to allow E15 for only year 2007 and newer vehicles, and Harkin had expressed disappointment that a decision had not yet been made on older vehicles.  According to the EPA, in 2011 there will be more than 150 million model year 2001 and newer light-duty motor vehicles that can utilize E15, representing more than 74 percent of gasoline consumption.

"I applaud the EPA on its decision to allow E15 for year 2001 and newer vehicles.  The EPA's studies have now proven that these ethanol blends are safe for use in the majority of our on-road cars and trucks," said Harkin.  "The expanded use of ethanol-blend gasoline is an important component of our nation's overall strategy to reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and jumpstart America's 'green' economy.  Today's announcement moves us forward in that effort.

"With today's good news I am hopeful that the EPA will continue its testing to one day confirm that E15 can be used in all vehicles, including those older than model year 2000.  And I will do all that I can to continue to expand the production and use of biofuels."

As the former Chairman and now senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Harkin has been a long-time leader in promoting the production and use of biofuels as an important part of the nation's energy strategy.   He has been especially active in pushing the EPA to allow E-15 for all vehicles. Efforts in 2010 included:

• On November 15, Harkin spoke on the Senate floor about the critical need to enable broad use of higher blends of ethanol across America by increasing the number of flex-fuel vehicles that can use them, and installing more blender pumps to dispense higher blends, and support development of biofuels pipelines for safer and more economical transport of biofuels. More information can be found here.

• On August 2, Harkin convened a meeting between a bipartisan group of senators and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Daniel Poneman to urge prompt approval of E15 ethanol blend for use in all gasoline-fueled vehicles.  At the meeting, Harkin urged the approval of E-15, as well as E-20, which EPA is also reviewing.  More information can be found here.

• On June 28, Harkin and six other senators wrote to President Obama urging his Administration to move rapidly to integrate biofuels into the nation's transportation fuel supply.  In the letter, the senators expressed concern that the Department of Energy (DOE) had not yet completed testing of higher blends of ethanol in gasoline, which would allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve the use of gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol.  More information can be found here.

• On June 23, Harkin spoke on the Senate floor expressing his disappointment in EPA and DOE's delay in making a decision on E-15 and calling for an end to the delay.  Audio of that can be found here.

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Harkin Announces More Than $1.5 Million for Renewable Energy Projects in Iowa

Funding come from programs Harkin worked to include in 2008 farm bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 20, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that a total of $1,445,435.18 will be coming to Iowa to invest in renewable energy projects.  Of the funding, $1,334,499.18 will go to seven projects across the state to support the production and use of advanced biofuels through the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels.  A total of $110,936 will go to five projects across Iowa in the form of study grants to determine the feasibility of renewable energy projects under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).  Both the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels and REAP were authorized under the 2008 farm bill, which Harkin shaped as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Nutrition and Forestry.  Harkin is also a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds USDA.  More details of the funding can be found below.

"Investments in renewable energy are critical to Iowa - and our nation's - future.  Not only do they help to reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and protect the air we breathe and the water we drink, they also create new job opportunities and boost our economy," said Harkin.  "I commend Secretary Vilsack and everyone at USDA for awarding this funding and implementing these critical programs that we worked so hard to include in the 2008 farm bill."

Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels

Authorized under Section 9005 of the Farm Bill, the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels authorizes payments to eligible producers to expand production of advanced biofuels.  Payments are based on the amount of advanced biofuels a recipient produces from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch.  Eligible examples include biofuels derived from cellulose, crop residue, animal, food and yard waste material, biogas (landfill and sewage waste treatment gas), vegetable oil and animal fat.  To find out more about the program click here.

The producer payments are intended to provide a financial incentive to biorefineries - a necessary step towards meeting the nation's renewable energy needs. The following is a list of biofuels producers that have received funding under USDA's Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels:

• Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (Based in Ames): $695,014.53
• Western Iowa Energy (Based in Sac County): $210,509.52
• Western Dubuque Biodiesel, LLC. (Based in Farley) $178,926.98
• Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC. (Based in Washington) $152,758.89
• Central Iowa Energy, LLC (Based in Newton): $80,571.13
• Sioux Biochemical, Inc. (Based in Sioux Center): $9,847.05
• Maple River Energy, LLC (Based in Ida County): $6,871.08

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

REAP loan guarantees and grants can be used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies and energy audits.  More information on the REAP program, which was authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, is at:  http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapGrants.html

The award notices issued today were limited to feasibility studies on prospective REAP projects.  The Iowa recipients of today's funding are:

• Debarthe Wind, LLC: $5,300 for wind turbines
• Cherokee Wind, LLC: $21,141 for wind turbines
• Lutes Family Investment Group: $24,995 for wind turbines
• Prairie's Edge Renewables, LLC: $9,500 to promote biomass
• Alternative Carbon Resources: $50,000 to create a high BTU alternative fuel source

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Harkin Encourages Iowa Community Colleges to Apply for Grants to Prepare Workers for Jobs in Growing and Emerging Industries

Washington, D.C. - January 19, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will begin accepting applications for the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant Program.  Nationwide, DOL will award approximately $500 million this year and a total of $2 billion over the next four years with each state guaranteed a minimum of $2.5 million each year.  The funding will be used to support the development and improvement of programs at community colleges that prepare students for successful careers in growing and emerging industries.  As Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Harkin has been a longtime supporter of community colleges and fought to include this funding in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act that was signed into law on March 30, 2010.

"Providing Iowa community colleges with the resources to train workers for new career opportunities provides an investment in our future," said Harkin. "It is one of the most important things we can do to keep Iowa's workers competitive.  I strongly encourage all community colleges in Iowa to apply for this funding."

The grant program will expand opportunities for workers by:

• accelerating progress and reducing time to completion;

• improving retention and achievement rates;

• building instructional programs that meet industry needs; and

• strengthening online and technology-enabled learning.

For additional information on how to apply for these grants, visit http://www.doleta.gov/grants and click on "Find Grants."

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Harkin Announces More Than $7.8 Million for Homeless Assistance Programs Across Iowa

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 19, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that a total of $7,810,678 will be coming to homeless assistance programs across Iowa.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance competitive grant program provides funding for a range of assistance to homeless persons, including transitional housing, permanent housing and a variety of supportive services.  Harkin is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds housing initiatives.

"During these cold winter months we are reminded just how much we value having a roof over our heads. Sadly, many of our fellow Iowans are not as fortunate," said Harkin.  "This funding will help agencies and organizations across our state provide support services and housing options to help the homeless get back on their feet."

Among the funds to be distributed will be those to the following area programs:

CLINTON:

• Clinton Area Substance Abuse Council DBA, New Directions will receive $104,223 for the Hightower Place Transitional Housing Program.
• YWCA Clinton will receive $49,232 for the YWCA Transitional Housing Program.

DAVENPORT:

• Family Resources Inc. will receive $39,525, as well as $38,946 in funding for the organization's VF Reach 2000 program.
• Humility of Mary Shelter Inc. will receive a total of $973,429: $68,880 for Housing First, $37,549 for Renewed Efforts and Commitment for Housing (REACH) 2000, $220,000 for Service Coordination through Collaboration - Supportive Services Only, $155,000 for Service Coordination through Collaboration for Permanent Housing and $492,000 in funding for Service Coordination through Collaboration for Transitional Housing.

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Harkin: Biobased Label Lets Consumers Choose Goods that Help Economy, Environment

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 19, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today released the following statement after Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced that USDA will launch the 'Biobased' label to let consumers know when a product is made of biobased ingredients.  Businesses across America are beginning to manufacture thousands of materials and products using agricultural and forestry crops and byproducts known as biobased feedstocks.  These include products such as lotions, cleaning supplies and a wide variety fabrics and plastics.  Under this new rule, companies can put the USDA biobased label on their qualifying products so consumers will know what percentage of an item is biobased and can select to use products made from natural materials.

"When thinking about our nation's dangerous dependence on foreign oil, it can be easy to forget that a large share of imported petroleum is not just used in cars and trucks - it is used to make thousands of products.  As we work to use less oil and focus on clean, homegrown sources of energy such as biofuels, we should also aim to use products that are made out of natural materials.  There are countless benefits to these products and they are great news for the U.S. economy and particularly rural economies - providing opportunity for thousands of young entrepreneurs, creating new income sources for farmers, and generating new manufacturing jobs in the industry.

"Previously, Americans wanting to purchase biobased products had no clear way of knowing what products were made of, but now thanks to the new USDA 'Biobased' label, consumers can pick products they know are good for the economy and environment.  I commend Deputy Secretary Merrigan and everyone at USDA for continuing to move forward to promote biobased products."

Harkin has played a significant role in working to promote the production and use of biobased products. As former-Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, he established a biobased product promotion program in the 2002 farm bill.  The program directs the federal government to give a preference to biobased products when it purchases of goods.  This procurement preference has already substantially increased the federal government's purchase and use of biobased products.  The new Biobased label is the second element of the 2002 farm bill biobased program and it is now being rolled out by USDA.

Commends Iowa Businesses for Leading in Clean Energy Production

Washington, DC - January 21, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) commended Western Dubuque Biodiesel and announced the businesses would be receiving a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) award of almost $200,000.

"I'm proud to support Western Dubuque Biodiesel and the work they do to help reduce our country's dependence on foreign oil," said Congressman Braley. "I've visited their business several times, and I'm happy to hold them up as an example of what Iowa is: a place where we grow our economy and create new jobs by fostering innovative ideas - especially in the fields of clean energy and biofuels."

The USDA Rural Development Award totals $178,926.98 and will be used to help expand production of advanced biofuels. The award comes on the same day as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's announcement that it approved the use of 15 percent blend ethanol (E15) for automobiles and light trucks of model year 2001 and newer.

"I was heartened by the EPA's decision and approval of E15 today - it's great news for our state and our workforce," said Braley. "With the EPA's decision, I hope new businesses and companies will follow the example of Western Dubuque Biofuels and others like them - by innovating, expanding and creating good-paying jobs right here in Iowa."

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Braley Announces $2.4 Million for Local Housing Programs

Washington, DC - January 20, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced almost $2.4 million in grant money for housing and homeless assistance programs in Eastern Iowa. The grants are awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance program.

"This money is incredibly important for housing assistance programs all over the First District," Braley said. "With these funds, many dedicated individuals will be able to provide crucial housing services and support to homeless Iowans during tough winters."

HUD money funds various public and private programs that provide a range of assistance to homeless persons, including transition housing, permanent housing and a variety of supportive services. These funds are awarded annually in a nationwide competition.

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Braley Opposes Health Care Repeal

Washington, DC - January 19, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) voted against the Republican bill to repeal the health care reform law.

"The new majority campaigned on balancing the budget and getting our deficit under control, but their very first legislative initiative would blow a $230 billion hole in our deficit," said Congressman Braley. "There's no way I could support this irresponsible legislation."

If enacted into law, the Republicans' repeal would also roll back the most popular provisions that protect consumers from insurance company abuses. Insurance companies would once again be able to deny coverage to children and adults with pre-existing conditions, prevent young adults from staying on their parents' plans until age 26 and drop coverage for pregnant women and cancer survivors.

"The health care law, and the Republicans' effort to repeal it, has a human face," said Braley. "My nephew was finally able to take a new job, knowing his four-year-old son Tucker won't be dropped from his new health plan because of a liver cancer diagnosis. That's just one family. There are millions like them in Iowa and across the country."

"My Republican colleagues also don't seem to understand the very serious ramifications of their political games - or they haven't read their own bill. The text of their bill clearly states that they intend to repeal the health care law and restore its provisions as if it had never been enacted. One consequence of that language is that if this bill becomes law, millions of seniors across the country would be forced to pay the government $250 that they received and already spent under the health care reform law. I know Iowa's seniors can't afford that - and I certainly won't let my constituents pay the price for this political stunt."

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Braley Introduces "Veterans Day Off" Bill;

Legislation Would Make Veterans Day a Holiday for All Veterans

Washington, DC - January 19, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) introduced a bill to make Veterans Day a holiday for all veterans in the United States.

"Veterans Day is meant to remember and commemorate those brave men and women who have served our nation. It's only right that they be able to take this day off work," said Congressman Braley.

While Veterans Day is currently designated as a federal holiday, private employers can choose not to observe it. This bill would require private employers to give any employee who is a veteran a day off on "Veterans Day." The holiday can be paid or unpaid, at the employer's discretion. The legislation does include exceptions for small businesses, cases where public health or safety are concerned, or where the holiday would significantly disrupt operations.

The bill is Braley's first act as a new member of the Veterans Affairs Committee in the 112th Congress. Braley was confirmed as a member of the Committee earlier today at a meeting of the Democratic Caucus.

"There are 240,317 veterans in the state of Iowa and each of them deserves the very best that our government can provide - the best care, the best services and the most responsive representation in Congress," said Braley. "I've been an advocate for veterans since I first got to Congress, and I'm thrilled to be a member of this important committee where I can do even more for our veterans."

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Braley to Cantor: Read Your Bill.  Braley Warns that Seniors Would Be Forced to Pay Govt under Repeal Bill

Washington, DC - January 19, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) warned that seniors who received a $250 check towards prescription drugs under the health care reform law would be required to return that money, according to the text of the repeal bill being considered in the House tonight.

"Regardless of what the Majority Leader said yesterday, the text of his own bill is clear - it calls for repealing the provisions of the health care law and restoring them as if the law had never been enacted. Now, based on what I learned in law school, that means repealing the law and restoring the appropriate funds, in this case those $250 checks that were distributed and spent by seniors across America," said Congressman Braley.

"In Iowa alone, we have 39,430 seniors who have received and spent these checks. Now, Republicans are pushing a bill that would force these seniors to write a $250 check to the government once the repeal is enacted. I don't know if Mr. Cantor was being intentionally misleading or was just careless when discussing this issue with reporters, but the seniors in my district shouldn't have to pay the price for this political stunt."

"I sincerely hope my Republican colleagues will read their own bill and consider these serious ramifications as we take this vote tonight."

H.R. 2 clearly states that the health care reform law would be repealed and "restored or revived as if such Act had not been enacted."

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