25 Jan 2010

Bettendorf Resident Nate Clark Announced as the 2010 Oregon Logging Conference Keynote Speaker

By Liz Harney

Clark Will Discuss Economic Opportunity and Innovation in Forestry at the Conference

EUGENE, Ore. - Over the past two years John Deere's Nate Clark has helped craft policies aimed at creating new and sustainable economic opportunities for the forestry industry. As keynote speaker for the Oregon Logging Conference, he will discuss public policies, economic opportunities and innovative ideas for the industry during his address on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 8:30 a.m. in the Lane Events Center's Wheeler Pavilion in Eugene, Ore. The Oregon Logging Conference will be held at the Lane Events Center Thursday, Feb. 25, through Saturday, Feb. 27, and will focus on the theme, "Forest Biomass...Fuel for the Future?"

Clark, director of public affairs for John Deere's construction and forestry division and John Deere Power Systems, believes new innovation has the ability to inspire the industry to reach greater heights. "The logging industry must emphasize innovation as an essential core value, and innovation is at the very heart of the Oregon Logging Conference's theme this year," he says. "We see in forest biomass the promise of creating a resilient logging industry serving our nation's energy needs, national security, environmental interests and beyond."

"Inspiration is certainly in short supply right now as job losses continue in the logging industry," says Clark. "However, by meaningfully building the logging industry on innovation, the industry will not only grow economically but also in spirit."

Ed Hendrix, 2010 Oregon Logging Conference president, is excited to share Nate's message with conference attendees.

"Nate has worked on a number of public policies critical to the logging industry," says Hendrix. "I'm looking forward to his presentation on innovation and its inherent ability to inspire. We could all use some inspiration in this difficult economy."

About The Oregon Logging Conference

The 72nd Oregon Logging Conference will return to the Lane Events Center in Eugene, Ore., on Feb. 25 through Feb. 27. The conference, renowned for its high-quality education opportunities and networking events, is a great value to participants. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn nine professional logger credits and eight SAF-CFE credits; view logging, construction, trucking and heavy equipment; and to enjoy several networking opportunities over three days for just $85. To register for the conference or for more information, visit the Oregon Logging Conference Web site, www.oregonloggingconference.com, or call (541) 686-9191.

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25 Jan 2010

ISU STUDENTS NAMED TO FALL SEMESTER DEAN'S LIST

By TheLink Delivery Service

AMES, Iowa (January 20, 2010) - More than 5,430 Iowa State University undergraduates have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the 2009 fall semester Dean's List.

Students named to the Dean's List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, MAJOR;

Bettendorf, IA
Kristin Alexa Allen, Environmental Science (AGLS); Lauren Paige Anderson, Psychology; Erich David Anthony, Kinesiology and Health; Andrea Lynne Baker, Architecture-Professional Degree; Ashley Marie Beck, Early Childhood Education; Maggie Elizabeth Beckman, Interior Design; Jennifer Marie Blaser, Microbiology; Stephanie Ann Blaser, Food Science (H SCI); Jessica Marie Blaum, English; Kaitlin Janaye Bohn, Kinesiology and Health; Kimberly Ann Booe, Chemical Engineering; Stephanie Suzanne Booe, Advertising; Benjamin Wayne Bramer, Mechanical Engineering; Elizabeth C. Brebner, Psychology; Benjamin Alexander Britz, Mechanical Engineering; Sarah Anne Buck, Psychology; Stephanie Diane Byers, Veterinary Medicine; Brittney Corrine Carpio, Political Science; Elizabeth Rose Coffman, English; Jill Catherine Dewit, Elementary Education; Emily Marcene Doerder, Music; William Scott Edwards, Chemical Engineering; Kevin Anthony Emard, Chemical Engineering; Jared Andrew Evans, Political Science; Daniel Lawrence Finnegan, Aerospace Engineering; Lauren A. Flahive, Open Option (LAS); Jennifer Ann Garter, Kinesiology and Health; Matthew Nicholas Gaul, Architecture-Professional Degree; Daniele Marie Gilbert, Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production; Pierre Luc Gilles, Mechanical Engineering; Valerie Sylvie Gilles, Biology; Jiyeon Han, Preprofessional Health Programs; Natalie S. Heiderscheit, Political Science; Jacob T. Hemberger, Chemical Engineering; Aaron Michael Hewitt, Integrated Studio Arts; Leah Elizabeth Hodgin, Elementary Education; Lindsay Jo Hoffman, Pre-Diet and Exercise (H SCI); Christopher John Huber, Materials Engineering; Bryce Phillip Johnson, Open Option (LAS); Carolyn Anne Johnson, Animal Science; Megan Michelle Johnson, Kinesiology and Health; Derek Matthew Keibler, Software Engineering; Deborah Nicole Kraft, Integrated Studio Arts; Kelsey Lynn Kraft, Engineering; Stephanie Lynne Kraft, Spanish; Matthew Douglas Krajewski, Aerospace Engineering; Jason Carl Kruse, Architecture-Professional Degree; Elizabeth Ilene Larsen, Psychology; Jessica Marlo Madsen, Integrated Studio Arts; Molly Christine Madsen, Spanish; Christopher P. Meadows, Mechanical Engineering; Spencer William Mesick, Biology; Holly Ann Mohr, Kinesiology and Health; Kyle Endicott Morris, Pre-Business; Andrew Joseph Morse, Mechanical Engineering; Scott Daniel Moseley, Marketing; Gordon Theodore Mueller, Mechanical Engineering; Luke Allen Peterson, Construction Engineering; Rachel Ann Potthoff, Construction Engineering; Abigail S. Pritz, Graphic Design; Carter L. Roberts, Nutritional Science (H SCI); Mindy Jolene Schlueter, Kinesiology and Health; Meredith Kim Sherrill, Veterinary Medicine; Sean Joseph Smith, Industrial Engineering; Amelia Joanne Stark, Elementary Education; Jana Kristine Stolze, Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management; Moira Marie Sullivan, Management; Gavin Mark Sutherland, English; Joseph A. Tisinger, Finance; Kelly Ann Wagner, Dietetics (H SCI); Karla S. Walsh, Journalism and Mass Communication; Zhiyi Xu, Management Information Systems;

Clinton, IA
Drew William Sikkeman, Chemical Engineering;

Davenport, IA
Derek Mitchell Adams, English; Derek Reid Attwood, Aerospace Engineering; Brian Victor Becker, Marketing; Steven Walton Beckert, Electrical Engineering; Cara Jo Blake, Child, Adult, and Family Services; Nicholas C. Borcherding, Pre-Diet and Exercise (H SCI); Matthew Allen Burmeister, Mechanical Engineering; Margaret Marie Carlin, Pre-Community and Regional Planning; Carolyn Anne Chrissotimos, Kinesiology and Health; Brion Niquan Coleman, Civil Engineering; Kalynn Dawn Doebel, Biology; Joshua M. Dunham, Electrical Engineering; Brett Christopher Ebert, Mechanical Engineering; Ashley Marie Fishburn, Sociology; Michael Francis Fosdick, Agronomy; Alexander Joseph Gowey, Finance; Bradley Carter Green, Aerospace Engineering; Anne Marie Harre, Psychology; John D. Hayes, Architecture-Professional Degree; Tony Hoang, Integrated Studio Arts; Kathleen Marie Hoil, Performing Arts; Kiel Dean Johnson, Industrial Technology; Emily Marie Kenneke, Elementary Education; Nicholas Aaron King, Landscape Architecture; Isaiah Donovan Klavitter, Mechanical Engineering; Laura Beth Klavitter, Horticulture; Laura Marie Kleinschmidt, Veterinary Medicine; Luke William Klenske, Art and Design; Pantelis Korovilas, Liberal Studies; Aubrey Erin Krug, Veterinary Medicine; Austin Miles Laugen, Computer Engineering; Alexandra Eleni Menard, Anthropology; Ryan Thomas Merritt, Kinesiology and Health; Jeffrey Michael Moritz, Chemistry; Anna Elizabeth Mullen, Anthropology; Elizabeth Marie Ohnemus, Dietetics (H SCI); Alison Margaret Perkins, Design Undeclared; Mohammed Ashiqur Rahim, Electrical Engineering; Kelsey B. Regan, Biological Systems Engineering; Aleah Nicole Salisbury, Management Information Systems; Colin Michael Schroeder, Civil Engineering; Marcus Paul Seden, Construction Engineering; Elizabeth Gwen Shorter, Early Childhood Education; Matthew J. Skoglund, Engineering; Brian Michael Smith, Journalism and Mass Communication; Brittany L. Springmeier, Food Science (AGLS); Blake Richard Stalder, Chemical Engineering; Amanda Michelle Trammell, Animal Science; Christopher A. Van Buer, Aerospace Engineering;

Moline, IL
Lisa Marie Harmon, Accounting; Daniel Joseph Siroky, Architecture-Professional Degree;

Riverdale, IA
Jeffrey Addabbo, Interdisciplinary Studies; Amy K. DCamp, Pre-Biological/Pre-Medical Illustration;

Rock Island, IL
Alyssa Renae Bush, Kinesiology and Health; Laura E. Debarr, Elementary Education; Taylor Marie Downing, Food Science (AGLS); Ryan Daniel Lepp, Interdisciplinary Studies; Eric Steven Schroder, Biology; Grant Aaron Vermeer, Computer Engineering;

25 Jan 2010

Governor Quinn Announces Free Tax Preparation Assistance for Working Families

By Andrew Mason

Encourages Taxpayers to Take Advantage of Earned Income Tax Credit, Avoid Costly Refund Anticipation Loans

MARION - January 21, 2010. Governor Quinn today announced partnerships that will give Illinois' working families access to free tax preparation assistance, including help with filing for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The Governor encouraged taxpayers to utilize the free assistance as they file their income tax returns, receive the tax credits they've earned, and avoid refund anticipation loans that can consume big chunks of hard-earned refund checks.

"The Earned Income Tax Credit is the best pro-job, pro-family and anti-poverty tax relief ever devised, and every eligible family in Illinois should receive the full credit," said Governor Quinn. "I am proud to announce free tax preparation assistance to help Illinois' working families get their full refunds quickly and painlessly."

State partnerships with the Center for Economic Progress' Tax Counseling Project and Ladder Up (formerly the Tax Assistance Program) will offer free tax preparation assistance and e-filing for families across Illinois. Services are free for families who earned under $50,000 and individuals who made less than $25,000.

Through the partnerships, volunteer tax counselors will provide free tax assistance and counseling at 55 sites throughout the state. Most sites will provide services from January 23 through April 15. Governor Quinn made today's announcement at the Man-Tra-Con Corporation in Marion, which will serve as a Center for Economic Progress site. (A full list of locations is attached.)

Taxpayers can walk in to any of the locations, without an appointment, and work with trained volunteers who will help fill out their returns and make sure they file for all the credits, deductions and other benefits to which they're entitled. Last year the Tax Counseling Project completed more than 33,300 tax returns with refunds totaling $52.2 million. Ladder Up helped with more than 9,000 returns totaling $15.5 million in refunds.

Families raising two or more children in their home can get up to $5,028 from the federal EITC with earnings of less than $45,295 (married, filing jointly). Illinois residents who claim the federal EITC may also receive the state EITC, which can save them up to $283.

Governor Quinn also encouraged residents to avoid the high cost of refund anticipation loans (RALs) offered by commercial tax preparation companies. According to a 2009 study by the Consumer Federation of America and the National Consumer Law Center, the price of a RAL for a typical loan of $3,000 can range from $62 to $110. In Illinois, the interest rate on a RAL can range from 40 percent for a loan of $9,999 to over 700 percent for a loan of $200.

Most Illinois taxpayers can file state taxes for free at www.tax.illinois.gov and receive a refund in about a week. Additionally, many can file their federal taxes online for free as well. Information about filing federal taxes online can be found at www.irs.gov.

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25 Jan 2010

Augustana Photographers Featured in 2010 Sights and Sounds

By readMedia Newswire

ROCK ISLAND, IL (01/21/2010)(readMedia)-- The artistic and musical talents of Augustana students will be the focus of the third annual Augustana Sights and Sounds at Bucktown Center for the Arts (225 E. 2nd St., Davenport) on Friday, January 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. The free event will feature distinctive student photography from both Augustana and Quad-City area high school students and a raffle fundraiser for the Fistula Foundation.

Augustana Photo Bureau students will display a series of photographs that highlight student life on the Rock Island campus, experiences in the Quad Cities or the world through international study programs. The event will incorporate the photography on display with several existing galleries and music. Three pieces of artwork will be raffled off by the Augustana Artisans to benefit the Fistula Foundation. These include two paintings from Augustana student Maria Ford and a photograph by Hunt Harris, a local businessman.

High school photographers who would like to be featured can submit their work in the categories of music, dreams, urban wilderness and portraits by January 18. Members of the Photo Bureau will judge the entries, and winners will receive scholarships to Augustana College.

Photo Bureau students featured in the show are Veronica Smith, Corynn Hanson, Dana Gustafson, Maren Mathisen, Mark Marogil, Matthew Peters, John Cairns and Grace Drenth. Smith, who serves as the Photo Bureau manager, assisted with planning the event. To view a students' work, click on each name to access a high-resolution photograph.

From your area this includes:

Mark Marogil, a sophomore from Moline, IL majoring business administration-advising.

Grace Drenth, a first year from Davenport, IA majoring liberal studies.

The Augustana Photo Bureau was established in 2005 to support the publications, events, news and online needs of the Office of Communication and Marketing. The bureau has grown to support other departments and special events on campus. Under the direction of their advisor, Marla Alvarado Neuerburg, the students have the opportunity to learn and apply photographic skills.

Midcoast Fine Arts is a non-profit agency created by artists to promote regional artists and cultural organizations that advance the quality of life and marketability within the Quad Cities. The Bucktown Center for the Arts opened in 2005 as a creative community for local artists.

The Augustana Artisans is a student organization created to appreciate, create and share the love of art. The club meets weekly to learn and create art and hold sales to raise money for charities such as the Fistula Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on the treatment and prevention of fistula worldwide. Fistula is a hole that can develop between a woman's birth passage and one or more surrounding organs over many days of obstructed labor or as a result of sexual violence. To learn more about the organization, visit www.fistulafoundation.org/index.html.

The Augustana Photo Bureau and the MidCoast Fine Arts are coordinating the event during Bucktown's monthly Final Friday art show. For further information about the event, contact Marla Alvarado Neuerburg at (309) 794-7632 or marlaalvarado@augustana.edu.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls nearly 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 60 majors and areas of study. Augustana employs 226 faculty and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.

25 Jan 2010

Putnam partners with Smithsonian

By Lori Arguello

DAVENPORT - What do the Adler Planetarium, the Seattle Museum of Flight, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, and the Putnam Museum all have in common? As of January 8, all of these institutions are part of the prestigious Smithsonian Affiliates program. The Putnam joins 159 other museums and cultural institutions across the United States in this partnership that was begun in 1996 by the Smithsonian to share America's artistic, scientific and historic heritage. Aaron Glavas, national outreach manager for the Smithsonian, was on hand Thursday to announce the partnership with the Putnam Museum.

"The Putnam is very honored to be selected by the Smithsonian Institute as an Affiliate," said Kim Findlay, president/CEO of the Putnam Museum. "This partnership allows us to bring national treasures from the Smithsonian to our community to create even more impactful exhibits and programs to the people of the Quad-Cities."

Smithsonian Affiliations is a unique outreach initiative that allows emerging and established museums to obtain Smithsonian collections for a prolonged period. The program's mission is to make the extensive Smithsonian collection more accessible to American people by sharing artifacts and other resources with museums and cultural institutions across the country. The Putnam Museum underwent a proposal process in 2009 and was officially approved as a Smithsonian Affiliate this month. The two nearest Affiliates are in Dubuque, Iowa, and Dixon, Illinois.

As an affiliate, the Putnam will have the privilege of securing long-term artifact loans from various Smithsonian Institution Museums to enhance our future exhibits and programs. In addition to the long-term loans, the Affiliate program also gives the Putnam the opportunity to incorporate outreach services they offer - from curriculum development in local schools to lectures, workshops, study tours and other programs.

The Putnam anticipates its first long-term loan will arrive in Spring 2011, and will be space-related to enhance a new discovery exhibition space. In the interim, six of the Putnam's most unique and relevant artifacts will be on display, including Miss Hokkaido (Japanese Friendship doll); a Winter Count from the 1700s (Native American hide tracking winters); slave shackles; an Abraham Lincoln political banner; Bix's coronet; and the original Blackhawk War Treaty.

The Putnam Museum and IMAX ®Theatre is a 501(c) (3) educational corporation, providing the greater Quad Cities region with quality of life experiences since 1867. The Museum is the primary repository for the area's unique treasures - over 170,000 artifacts and specimens that tell the stories of the region, the people who live here and their connections to the world. The IMAX® Theatre is equipped with 270-sloped, stadium-style seats; a screen six stories high and seven stories wide; a six-speaker, 10,000 watt digital sound system; and Academy Award®-winning IMAX® projection system. Visit the Putnam Museum and IMAX® Theatre at www.putnam.org. IMAX® is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation.

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25 Jan 2010

"Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard" Weekend Is Another Success

By Rick Martin

Quad Cities - The Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau (QCCVB) announced today that the ninth annual "Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard" weekend was a success for all involved.  The event was promoted through news stories along with television, radio and newspaper advertising.

Each year, the QCCVB holds its annual "Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard" weekend to promote tourism to residents and visitors to the Quad Cities.  During this year's event, the QCCVB promoted discounted prices and activities for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend with a special coupon booklet.  Almost 20 local hotels/motels offered special rates and packages for the weekend.   Almost 30 area attractions, businesses, stores, spas, and restaurants offered discounts.

Due to this effort and the response by Quad Cities' area residents and visitors, over 300 hotel rooms were booked specifically for the promotion, topping 2008 reservation numbers.

Other businesses also reported an increase in business.  The Moline Public Library increased their attendance of their Winnie the Pooh program on Saturday by three times over last year.  The John Deere Pavilion reported almost 1,500 people on Saturday for their free Kid's Craft Day.  Exact numbers are still coming in from the Putnam Museum & IMAX Theatre, but well over 1,000 people toured the exhibit halls this weekend.

"We are extremely pleased with this year's results for Be a Tourist Weekend, and we thank our community and visitors for supporting tourism in the Quad Cities," said Jessica Waytenick, QCCVB Public Relations & Marketing Manager.  "Be a Tourist Weekend has become an annual event that people really look forward to, and it also comes during a great weekend and during a time of year when tourism is traditionally down in our area.  It provides a nice local weekend getaway and highlights all the great things there are to see and do in our area."

According to Ms. Waytenick, again this year's the coupon booklets were a big hit, and the over 5,600 visitors to the Be a Tourist Weekend web page at www.visitquadcities.com downloaded 9,591 coupons from the site.

There are a lot of great attractions, events, and activities for residents to take advantage of right here in the Quad Cities.  Visit the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau's website at www.visitquadcities.com or stop by any of the Visitor Information Centers for a free 2010 Visitors Guide.  The Visitor Centers are located at:

·       Mississippi Valley Welcome Center, Exit 306, I-80 and U.S. 67, 900 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, IA.  Hours:  8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily.

·       RiverStation, 1601 River Drive, Moline, IL. Hours:  8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm Saturday.

·       Union Station, 102 S. Harrison, Davenport, IA.  Hours:  9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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25 Jan 2010

Rock Island Police Chief Wright Agrees to Stay During Hiring Process

By Linda Rutten

January 20, 2010

City Manager, John Phillips announced today that he has asked Police Chief John Wright to continue serving as Police Chief for up to three additional months while the search for his replacement is underway. Phillips said, "Chief Wright has graciously agreed to extend the date of his retirement for up to three additional months".

Chief Wright announced his retirement late last year with an effective date of January 29th, 2010. He would now extend the date through April 30th, 2010 or earlier if his replacement can begin before that date.

Phillips said asking Chief Wright to continue to serve was his first preference, due to the number of projects and issues the City and the department currently face. These include the 2010- 2011 City budget, negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police and Command Officers, Safer Community Task Force and review and discussion of downtown security issues.

Chief Wright said, "I have had a wonderful career with the Rock Island Police Department and if I can help out by staying a little longer, I am glad to do it".

Phillips further announced an online survey on the City's website that seeks the views of citizens on the most important characteristics, skills and experience for the City's next Police Chief. The survey can be accessed on the City of Rock Island's website, www.rigov.org.

25 Jan 2010

Governor Quinn Sign Law to Create "Gateways to Opportunity" Program

By Rick Martin

Program Ensures Students Benefit from Highly Qualified Educators

CHICAGO - January 21, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that creates the "Gateways to Opportunity" program, which will award credentials to educators who go above and beyond in making sure they are able to provide the highest quality of education for Illinois' young minds.

"Today's students will be tomorrow's workforce, which is why it is critical that our children get top quality educations," said Governor Quinn. "By making sure our educators have learned the latest skills and techniques, we can accelerate children down the path of learning at an early age."

"Gateways to Opportunity" is a professional development system that aims to enhance children's learning by improving the quality of services they receive in learning environments, increasing positive outcomes, and expanding the availability of coursework and training available to educators.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) will administer the program and award "Gateways to Opportunity" credentials, as symbols of professional achievement, to educators who have completed approved college or university programs or who have compiled a portfolio that documents education and experience. "Gateways to Opportunity" also provides educators access to scholarships and wage supplements so that they can continue their own educations and professional development.

Also under the new law, children who attended a non-public preschool, a non-public kindergarten, were taught kindergarten by a certified teacher or will be 6-years-old on or before Dec. 31 of the upcoming school year may attend first grade once they have successfully passed evaluations to determine their readiness.

House Bill 806, sponsored by Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) and Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), goes into effect immediately.

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25 Jan 2010

HARKIN: $4.8 MILLION IN EMERGENCY LIHEAP FUNDING COMING TO IOWA

By Sen. Tom Harkin

Funding will provide winter heating assistance to low income Iowans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that Iowa has been awarded $4,847,522 through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  The emergency contingency funding will help eligible low-income Iowans meet home energy costs, and is in addition to the $67.8 million Senator Harkin secured for the state in Fiscal Year 2010 from the LIHEAP block grant.

"Winter can be a desperate time for people in need, and this has been a particularly brutal winter in Iowa," Senator Harkin said. "This funding will help thousands of low income households, especially those with young children and elderly, make it through the season."

On January 7, 2010, Senator Harkin joined a bipartisan group of 48 senators in sending a letter to the President urging him to release the emergency LIHEAP funding.  The full text of the letter can be found here.

In 2008, 95,234 Iowan households received LIHEAP assistance - one of the highest numbers on record.  A nationwide survey of households receiving LIHEAP aid found that 42 percent of recipients went without medical or dental insurance and 32 percent went without food for at least one day.

25 Jan 2010

AARP Iowa Announces 2010 State Legislative Priorities

By Ann Black
DES MOINES, Jan. 20, 2010 - Advocating for more affordable, accessible and quality health and long-term care, and financial security for older Iowans are AARP's key areas of focus for Iowa's 83rd General Assembly, which convened Monday, Jan. 11. Specific legislation AARP state staff and volunteers will be focusing on includes:

*       Protecting critical Medicaid funding
*       Protecting funding for identified unmet home and community needs of older Iowans
*       Protecting the quality of long-term care in Iowa's nursing homes and other institutional settings
*       Working to implement cost-effective ways to improve Iowa's health care system, such as improving Iowa's chronic care delivery through steps like creating a statewide diabetic registry and regionalizing IowaCare - Iowa's system for providing care for low income and under-insured Iowans
*       Addressing Iowa's impending nurse shortage
*       Providing sensible consumer protections from extreme predatory lending practices

"In this tough economic climate, AARP will be working diligently to protect our most vulnerable citizens and ensure that Iowa's human needs are met at this critical time," said Bruce Koeppl, AARP Iowa State Director.  "With increasing demand on state Medicaid services due to the economic downturn, it is imperative leaders protect critical Medicaid funding," said Koeppl. 

For every dollar Iowa cuts in Medicaid, the state loses $1.68 in federal matching funds.  Medicaid not only provides a safety net to the increasing number of people suffering the hardships of job loss, disability and lack of access to insurance, it also provides essential economic benefits to local communities.  Medicaid cuts cause a ripple effect with lost jobs, and lost revenue to providers and other businesses, as well as tax revenue for state and local governments.

AARP sets its annual state legislative priorities consistent with national policies approved by the association's Board of Directors.  Priorities are based on the needs of Iowa residents as expressed in survey of members across the state, and information gathered at AARP-sponsored forums and events throughout the year. 

To get involved with AARP in contacting your legislators or learning more about AARP's efforts during the legislative session, call the AARP Iowa State Office toll-free at 1-866-554-5378 or visit www.aarp.org/ia.
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