16 Dec 2010

Harkin Statement on Senate Passage of the Tax Cut Agreement

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed an agreement that provides a one-year extension of unemployment benefits for out-of-work Americans and a two-year extension of tax breaks for the country's wealthiest.

"At a time when our annual deficit is close to $1 trillion - much of it borrowed from China; at a time when the wealthy are already enjoying a huge surge in income, even as middle-class incomes are stagnant; it is simply obscene to give another lavish tax cut to the top two percent.  Let me say what should be painfully obvious about this new bonanza for the rich: they don't need it and we can't afford it.  And it will not help the economy - in fact, in the longer term, it will hurt the economy.

"The fact is that these new tax breaks will make income inequality in the United States even worse.  In recent years, in the grip of the Great Recession, many millions of ordinary working Americans have lost their jobs, their homes, and/or their savings.  But the wealthy have made out very, very well.

"But I also have concerns that the nearly $900 billion in tax cuts in this agreement would crowd out necessary investments in priorities such as education, infrastructure, homeland security, health care and scientific research.  

"We needed to extend unemployment benefits for those that need it the most in this country, but that should have come without tax breaks for the wealthiest."


###
16 Dec 2010

Senate Vote on the Tax Agreement

By Sen Chuck Grassley

Statement by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa

Ranking Member of the Committee on Finance

Senate Vote on the Tax Agreement

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

"Preventing a tax increase is the best thing we can do for the economy right now.  It's common sense that you don't raise taxes in a recession, including on employers in small business where 70 percent of new jobs are created.

"The only thing better than passing this legislation would be to make tax relief permanent.  Uncertainty about tax rates works against America's economic recovery.  We've seen nearly 23,000 jobs in biodiesel disappear because its tax incentive was allowed to lapse at the end of last year.  Every small business owner who pays taxes on the individual level faces higher taxes if a tax increase isn't prevented across the board with this legislation.  There's a rule that if you want more of something, don't tax it.  We want more employment, so Congress should not allow higher taxes on employment.

"This legislation extends 51 tax incentives for different sectors of America's economy, including ethanol.  These tax policies have been extended previously because they've been proven to help create economic activity.  This legislative agreement also makes sure the government can't take more than half the estates of farmers and small business owners who have scrimped, sacrificed and saved their entire lives to build up a family business by imposing a 55-percent estate tax even after those business owners spent a lifetime paying income, investment and property taxes.

"Since World War II, the tax burden has averaged 18.2 percent of the gross domestic product.  Even if Congress were to extend all of the current-law tax levels permanently, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office indicates that taxes as a percentage of gross domestic product will still be much higher than they have been over the last 70 years.  So, even if we were to permanently keep the tax rates at current levels, Americans will be overtaxed when compared with what they've paid in recent history.

"We don't have a deficit problem because people are taxed too little.  We have a deficit problem because Washington spends too much. The deficit needs to be taken on through economic growth and reduced spending.  Revenue to the federal Treasury will continue to increase with the level of taxes as they are today, which this bill will secure for two more years.

"Congress needs to listen to the people and support less spending.  In 2010, I voted for $278 billion in spending reductions.  All of those reductions were rejected by the majority party's leaders."

16 Dec 2010

SKATE WITH SANTA

By Ron Summers
Come down to the River's Edge sports complex this Sunday to skate on our indoor ice skating rink with Santa! Santa's elves will also be here, and you can have your picture taken with Santa. Santa will be here during regular public skate hours between 5pm and 6pm this Sunday, December 19.

The River's Edge is a premier 75,000+ square foot indoor sports facility offering one Olympic size ice rink and an indoor soccer field, both with bleacher space. Skate rental and repair are available, as well as a conference and party room.  The facility is located at 700 W River Drive in downtown Davenport, just west of Modern Woodmen Park.

WHAT: Skate with Santa! Get your picture taken!

WHEN: Sunday, December 19, 5-6pm (During Public Skate Time)

WHERE: The River's Edge

700 W River Dr

Davenport, IA

COST: Regular skate admission applies ($5 for admission, $2 for skate rental)

16 Dec 2010

Quad City International Airport - Cessna makes difficult landing

By Cathie Rochau

(Moline/Quad Cities)  A small private Cessna aircraft which originated from Chicago-Midway, landed today at the Quad City International Airport at approximately 11:00 a.m. with two passengers aboard.  Upon landing, their aircraft exited the runway and flipped into the snow, causing only minor injuries.  The pilot from Missouri and one passenger from Kansas were taken to a local hospital.  Our first priority was tending to the passengers.  Our second priority then became removing the aircraft from its location, in order to re-open our main runway to commercial traffic (arrivals and departures.) This caused a handful of delays for commercial airline arrivals and departures late this morning and into the noon hour.

The main runway at the QCIA re-opened for commercial arrivals and departures shortly after 1:00 p.m.  There were four commercial aircraft diversions to other regional airports while the runway was closed.  Three of the four inbound aircraft relocated back to the QCIA once the main airport runway re-opened.  One inbound flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul diverted to Cedar Rapids, but did not relocate to the Quad Cities.  However, there was out-bound aircraft for those Minneapolis-St. Paul passengers who were waiting to depart here in the Quad Cities.

Officials at the Quad City International Airport would like to thank all affected travelers for their patience today.  Officials and public safety personnel attended to this matter as quickly as possible, with safety for all in mind during this process.

# # #

16 Dec 2010

Call for Artists!

By Shelley Oehler
Amana - The Old Creamery Theatre Company in Amana is sending out a call to area artists to participate in helping us line the hallway of our Studio Stage in Middle Amana with local artwork during our production of Art, opening March 31 and running through April 17, 2011.

Art by Yasmina Reza focuses on three longtime friends who differ greatly on their definition of art. When Serge invests in an expensive painting - an immense all white canvas - Marc believes he's lost his mind while Yvan finds himself deeply in the middle.

The deadline to submit an application for a piece of art is March 1 and finished pieces would need to be dropped off at The Old Creamery's Studio Stage by March 15 and picked up after April 17. Only one piece per artist will be allowed and art can be in any medium.

Artists should include the title of the artwork and name/contact information on an 8.5 by 5.5 card to be displayed along with the artwork. If the art is for sale, that information can also be included on the card.

Please call The Old Creamery Theatre Company business office after Jan. 10 for more information and an application. 319-622-6034 ext. 110.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. Voted #1 Theatre Group on the 2010 KCRG A-List, the company is celebrating 40 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest in 2011.

16 Dec 2010

Augustana Student Volunteers at Arc's Respite Center

By Maureen Dickinson

Here is the Kalamazoo Gazette's feature of a current Augustana College student who volunteers with The Arc's Special Olympics athletes through the Arc's Respite Center.

http://www.mlive.com/sports/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/12/beyond_the_mat_hunter_feraco_s.html

16 Dec 2010

Governor Quinn Names New Chief of Staff

By Kara Beach

CHICAGO - December 13, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today named Jack Lavin as his Chief of Staff. Lavin previously served as the state's Chief Operating Officer. Current Chief of Staff Michelle Saddler will resume her position as the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS).

"Jack Lavin has helped my administration accomplish many of our top priorities and I have full confidence that he has the vision and ability to lead my office into a successful new term and will tackle the many serious issues facing our state," said Governor Quinn. "Michelle Saddler has done an excellent job as Chief of Staff. However, I wish to honor her preference to return to the work she began at the Department of Human Services. She is a key leader in my administration."

Lavin has served as Governor Quinn's Chief Operating Officer since February 2009, where he has led implementation of the Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program and directed the state's federal stimulus program. Lavin, who also leads Governor Quinn's job creation efforts, worked to keep Ford, Navistar and Chrysler in Illinois.

Throughout his career, Lavin has focused on economic development and job creation. Prior to his appointment as the state's Chief Operating Officer, Lavin served as the Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, where he completed hundreds of business transactions which generated billions of dollars in private investment and created thousands of jobs. Lavin also spent four years working for then-State Treasurer Pat Quinn. As Deputy Treasurer, Lavin led the office's job creation efforts by ensuring the availability of loans to create and expand small businesses.

"I am honored to serve the people of Illinois as Governor Quinn's Chief of Staff," said Lavin. "As our state continues to emerge from this historic economic downturn, I look forward to continuing to work to create jobs and build our economy, while ensuring that state government is more efficient, effective and accountable to the taxpayers of Illinois."

Throughout his career, Lavin has been active in the community, advocating for people with disabilities and working to solve education issues, particularly for children with special needs. Lavin is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has a master's degree in business with a specialization in finance, as well as a master's degree in international relations from the University of Chicago. He resides in Chicago with his wife, Kathy, and their three children.

"It has been a privilege to serve as Governor Quinn's Chief of Staff," said Saddler. "Returning to the Department of Human Services will allow me to pursue my truest passion and continue to address the immense challenges and needs facing human services in Illinois."

Saddler was appointed by Governor Quinn to be Secretary of DHS on Oct. 11, 2009. On Aug. 24 Governor Quinn appointed her as his Chief of Staff. Last week the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless honored Governor Quinn and Saddler for their work in creating and implementing the Put Illinois to Work program. More than 26,000 workers have been hired since Put Illinois to Work was launched last April.

Previously, Saddler held a number of policy and management positions in both the public and private sectors. She received her bachelor's degree from Princeton University and has a master's degree from Northwestern University's J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

###

16 Dec 2010

Fwd: Mississippi River Distilling Company to Open Dec. 17

By Ryan Burchett

Le Claire, Iowa, December 13, 2010 - Mississippi River Distilling Company is proud to open the doors of their new business for visitors and connoisseurs alike.  The first micro-distillery in the Quad Cities area since Prohibition will roll out their first handcrafted product, River Baron Vodka, on Friday, December 17.  Mississippi River Distilling Company will release River Rose Gin in February followed by a bourbon whiskey in late 2011.

As artisan distillers, everything "from grain to glass" will be done at the Le Claire site.   100% of the grain comes from within 25 miles of the distillery, purchased directly from the farmer who grew it. The grain is first sorted and cleaned and then milled into a flour-like consistency.  The grain is cooked to make a mash and yeast is then added to let it ferment.  The fermented mash is distilled and then filtered and blended to proof.  From there, it either goes into a barrel or a bottle.  River Baron Vodka is made from a blend of corn from Le Claire and wheat from just across the river in Reynolds, Illinois.  This small batch process ensures that only the sweetest, smoothest portion of each distillation is used.

Each bottle that leaves the Mississippi River Distilling Company bears the unique stamp of handcrafted approval and is individually numbered to show the batch and bottle number.  According to the American Distilling Institute, Mississippi River Distilling Company is one of only about a dozen micro-distillers in the country and the only in Iowa or Illinois  to use only local grains in their spirits.

The largest eye-catcher in the building is a copper and stainless steel still that was handmade by Kothe Distilling Technologies in Eislingen, Germany.  The still, which has been affectionately named "Rose" by the distillers, consists of a 1,000 liter boiling pot and two tall copper purification columns.  Those columns house rectification plates that allow the purest vodka to be distilled, up to 95% alcohol.  Some or all of those plates can be turned off to make whiskey in a traditional pot still fashion or anything in between.

The building also hosts a retail area featuring River Baron Vodka, along with bar glassware, clothing and other souvenirs.  The retail shop is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays.  Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment.  The tour takes visitors through the entire distilling process.  Tours end in the Grand Tasting Room with free samples of products for those patrons over 21 years of age. The Grand Tasting Room will also feature artwork by a new local artist every two months.  The inaugural exhibit will be from renowned marine artist Michael Blaser's "NIGHT AND DAY-ON THE RIVER."  Blaser lives and works in Bettendorf, just a few miles from the distillery.

Distillers, and brothers, Ryan and Garrett Burchett are anxious for the community to get their first taste of River Baron Vodka. "This is really a dream come true," comments Ryan Burchett.  "We decided to take a chance and now what started as a crazy idea, has grown into an opportunity to create something that these parts haven't seen since Prohibition.  It's a chance for people in Iowa and Illinois to enjoy truly home grown, handmade spirits."
16 Dec 2010

Roof Top Sedums receives Local & National Certification

By Natalie Linville-Mass

Roof Top Sedums just received a national certification as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE).  The certification is given by the Women's Business Development Center/Chicago.  Roof Top Sedums has also recently received their certification as an Iowa Targeted Small Business (ITSB).  This certification helps women, minorities, or persons with disabilities overcome some of the major hurdles of starting or growing an Iowa small business.

Co-founder of Roof Top Sedums, Teresa Nelson stated, "We are excited to receive these certifications.  They show the dedication and commitment we have as a company.  We look forward to what the future has in store, thanks in part to these certifications."  Certifications like these two will help to elevate awareness of Roof Top Sedums minority ownership, so corporations and government agencies seeking to demonstrate their continued commitment to fostering diversity among their suppliers and vendors may consider it in their decision making process.

WBE's national standard of certification is a meticulous process including an in-depth review of the business and site inspection.  The Women's Business Enterprise National Council is the nation's largest third party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the United States. WBE is a resource for the more than 700 US companies and government agencies relying on WBE's certification as an integral part of their supplier diversity programs.

Certification to become an Iowa Targeted Small Business is conducted by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.  In order to become certified as a ITSB, a company must be located in Iowa, operate as a for profit company, and be owned, operated and actively managed by one or more women, minorities or persons with a disability.

Co-owners and sisters, Teresa Nelson and Roxanne Nagel, decided to fill a void in the growing green roof industry with the creation of Roof Top Sedums.  Today, this 100% women-owned business provides custom grown green roof vegetation for LiveRoof® modules and green roof plugs from their family farm in Davenport, Iowa.  They serve Iowa, Western Illinois, Eastern Nebraska, Eastern Kansas, and most of Missouri.  To date, Roof Top Sedums has completed over 20 LiveRoof® projects including the Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme Street green roof located in Davenport, Iowa.


www.rooftopsedums.com

###
16 Dec 2010

Davenport Legislators Appointed to Top Posts in the Iowa House

By Rachelle Thomas

Des Moines, Iowa - House Democratic Leader Kevin McCarthy of Des Moines has appointed three local legislators to top posts in the Iowa House for the 2011 legislative session. Rep. Cindy Winckler will be the lead democrat on the House Education Budget Committee, Rep. Jim Lykam will be the top democrat on the House Transportation Committee, and Rep. Phyllis Thede was appointed to lead democrats on the Environmental Protection Committee.

"The Quad Cities will be well-served with these key legislators in top posts in the Iowa House," said McCarthy.  "These dedicated representatives will be key to keeping the state budget balanced while maintaining the key priorities of Iowans."

"I look forward to continuing my leadership role for House Democrats on state education issues," said Winckler. "We will continue to strengthen Iowa's educational system and make sure our kids graduate with the skills needed to land a good-paying job."

"A world-class transportation system is essential to growing Iowa's economy in the 21st Century.  I will do all I can to modernize our transportation infrastructure and keep our roadways safe for Iowans," said Lykam, who will also serve on Commerce, Natural Resources, and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee.

"I look forward to my new leadership role on the House Environmental Protection Committee.  Iowans in cities and rural areas deserve clean air and water," said Thede.

Rep. Winckler will also serve on Appropriations, Education, and Human Resources.  Rep. Thede was also appointed to serve on Ethics, Local Government, Natural Resources, and the Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee.   The 84th General Assembly will convene its first day of session on January 10, 2011.

# # #

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar