23 Sep 2015

U.S. and Chinese governors convene for collaboration on clean technology and economic development

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Five U.S. governors, six Chinese governors and officials of both countries will meet at a forum on Tuesday afternoon in Seattle and will later meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss opportunities for collaboration on clean technology and economic development.

Participants in the Third U.S.-China Governors' Forum will discuss areas of shared interest and mutual benefit, such as the promotion of energy efficiency in buildings and industries, commercialization and deployment of clean and renewable energy technologies, smart and modernized electrical grids, clean transportation options and more. This dialogue grows out of ongoing collaborations between each nation's national and subnational leaders to accelerate the development of clean energy economies and more.

The bipartisan group of U.S. governors includes Governor Jerry Brown (D-California), Governor Rick Snyder (R-Michigan), Governor Terry Branstad (R-Iowa), and Governor Kate Brown (D-Oregon). Governor Jay Inslee (D-Washington), who will be hosting Chinese President Xi at a separate event during the same time, will attend a portion of the meeting.

Chinese governors in attendance will be Sichuan Party Secretary Wang Dongming, Beijing Mayor Wang Anshun, Chongqing Mayor Huang Qifan, Zhejiang Governor Li Qiang, Shandong Governor Guo Shuqing, and Shaanxi Governor Lou Qinjian.

The president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Madame Li Xiaolin, will provide opening remarks, as co-host of the forum. California Governor Brown and Sichuan Party Secretary Wang Dongming will co-chair the forum. Officials from the U.S and Chinese national governments and the National Governors Association are also expected to be in attendance.

Later on Tuesday, the governors will meet privately with President Xi.

This event is only open to a limited pool of credentialed reporters. An updated advisory with contact information will be sent prior to the forum.

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18 Sep 2015

Grassley Raises Concerns with Immigration Reforms that Could Displace U.S. Workers

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley is raising questions about a new policy memorandum issued by the Obama administration that may, according to the President, allow for hundreds of thousands of foreign workers being admitted to the United States, which could result in the displacement of U.S. workers.

In a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriguez, Grassley wrote, "I fear - especially in light of the remarks made by the President in March - the effect that this L-1B memo will have on American workers, particularly in the IT sector, who are already battered by mass layoffs, job offshoring, and depressed wages."

Grassley's letter cites an administration memo that purports to reform the L-1B nonimmigrant visa category which is specifically designed for the admission to the United States of temporary intracompany transferees with "specialized knowledge."  The L-1B visa program was never intended to be a high-volume temporary foreign worker program.

In addition, as a policy memorandum, and not a regulation, there is neither an opportunity for the submission of public comments to which the administration must respond, nor a requirement that the administration perform an economic impact assessment.

Grassley has previously written about concerns regarding the L-1B program, including an unclear number of L-1 visa holders actually in the United States, a broad definition of "specialized knowledge," a disconnect between the Departments of Homeland Security and State on blanket petitions, and the alleged use of L-1 visas to circumvent requirements of H-1B visas.  Grassley has serious doubts that the Obama administration's memo will address the real problems and loopholes within the program.

A signed copy of the letter is here.

15 Sep 2015

Lt. Governor Reynolds highlights apprenticeship growth in Iowa

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

The U.S. Department of Labor highlights Iowa as a national success model

 

(DES MOINES) -Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today was joined at the administration's weekly press conference by Jason Shanks of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 33 and Duane Boswell of TMC Transportation to highlight the growth and importance of apprenticeships to their respective organizations.  U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) data has shown Iowa as one of the top four states in the nation in terms of active apprentice growth from federal fiscal year 2013 to federal fiscal year 2014.

WATCH THE DOL VIDEO HIGHLIGHTING IOWA AS A LEADER IN APPRENTICESHIPS HERE

"As I travel around Iowa, I constantly hear from employers who are in need of a skilled workforce?especially in manufacturing, information technology, STEM and health-related fields," said Reynolds. "Our focus on apprenticeships in Iowa is a key avenue to fill the skills gap for employers and empower Iowans with rewarding careers.  Growing our talent pipeline is essential for the 21st century global economy."

Registered apprenticeships are a proven approach to preparing workers for in-demand jobs and meeting the needs of business for a highly skilled workforce that can innovate and adapt.  They also allow students and workers of all ages to earn a paycheck and avoid debt while crafting skills.  Advancing work-based learning, like apprenticeships, is a key focus area of the Future Ready Iowa initiative.

In 2014, Gov. Terry E. Branstad signed the Iowa Apprenticeship and Job Training Act which tripled the funding for apprenticeships on an annual basis while reforming and improving the state's apprenticeship program.  The standing appropriation for registered apprenticeships is just over $3 million. 
11 Sep 2015

Smiddy Grateful Jobs Will Remain at Exelon Plant

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, issued the following statement on Exelon's decision to continue operations at its Quad Cities Nuclear Plant until May of 2018:
"The Quad Cities nuclear plant is a critical employer and economic engine for our communities, and it's hard to overstate its importance to the region.
"The decision to keep the plant running will mean hundreds of families will have continued access to reliable, affordable energy while workers stay on in good, well-paying jobs. The investment will reap benefits throughout area communities and local economies.
"This continuation, however, is not a permanent solution for the plant or the region.
"I look forward to using the time to work with Exelon and other state leaders to attempt to find a way to preserve these jobs and the billions of dollars in economic benefits this plant bring to the state."
10 Sep 2015

MUNGER: STATE'S BILL BACKLOG TO EXCEED $8.5 BILLION BY DECEMBER WITHOUT BUDGET

By Rich Carter
Comptroller outlines ramifications of continued budget impasse
CHICAGO - Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger announced Wednesday that if the state continues its current rate of spending without a balanced budget, Illinois' backlog of unpaid bills to schools, hospitals, businesses, social services and other vendors will exceed $8.5 billion by the end of the calendar year.

Munger said court orders, consent decrees, and statutory continuing appropriations (including debt service, pension payments, tax refunds and lawmaker salaries) are funding 90 percent of the state's bills even though the General Assembly and Governor have been deadlocked on a budget since July 1.  The problem is, the spending is based on FY 15 levels while revenue is based on FY 16 levels, which is running considerably lower due to the sunset of the temporary tax increase in January.
The unpaid bill estimate does not include payments for higher education, employee-retiree health insurance, student MAP grants, some Lottery winners, commercial spending, and other bills that will not be processed until a budget in place. Those expenses could account for an additional $4.3 billion in spending annually.
"Just over two months ago, I stood before you to warn that if the General Assembly and Governor were unable to pass a balanced budget, there would be severe consequences for the state," Munger said. "Today I'm here to say that those consequences have come to pass and the situation will become more dire the longer we try to fund state services without a budget."
At the end of August, the state's unpaid bills to schools, hospitals, businesses, social service agencies and others totaled about $5.5 billion. That number has grown to $6 billion today. If there is no budget in place and the state's spending trajectory continues, it will enter the New Year on January 1, 2016 owing an estimated $8.5 billion in unpaid bills. As the backlog grows, the state's cash flow gets tighter and payments to nonprofits and other state vendors for provided services face further delays, Munger said.
Munger will continue to prioritize payments to nonprofits that serve children, the elderly, people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and other vulnerable residents. They depend heavily on state funding and provide critical services at a lower cost than it would cost the state, she said.
"We will continue to do everything in our power to keep the state and our human service organizations afloat, but to be clear - our office performs triage every day simply to ensure the State of Illinois lives up to its core commitments," Munger said. "For the sake of our families, businesses and organizations, it is time for members of the General Assembly to sit down with the Governor to find common ground and pass a balanced budget so we can fund our critical priorities."
(END)
09 Sep 2015

RETIREE BUYS FRANCHISE IN RETIREMENT TO HELP SON'S ENTREPRENEURIAL GOALS

By Mackie Hill

(PORT BYRON, Il.)---Joe King is not one of the many who quit his soul-sucking corporate job to start his own business. On the contrary, King loved his career.

"I am just retiring from John Deere as an Engineering and Quality manager after 37 years," says King. "I had an excellent career with Deere and wouldn't trade it for anything."

Instead, King's focus in buying the franchise is on his son.

"My son wants to run a business and I want to help him get started as part of my retirement plan," says King. "I can't fish all the time."

King's solution was to become a franchisee of, Experimac, the new concept that provides pre-owned computers and devices; repair and upgrade services for laptops, phones and tablets; trade-ins of existing devices; and sales of accessories and software for Apple® devices.

King says his recent move to Apple products helped convince him this was an industry he wanted to work in.

"I am amazed at the simplicity and connectedness of the products and the apps and programs," says King. "And the translation between Windows products now is seamless."

King has noticed he's not the only fan of Apple's products.

"Many people like Apple products and operating systems in spite of their premium price," says King. "We think the idea of selling pre-owned, refurbished and upgraded Apple products will be a big hit with students and others who want Apple but don't want to pay the premium."

These days, everyone is on the lookout for a good deal, but not everyone wants to sacrifice quality in favor of a bargain. With Experimac, they won't have to.

"Many people will buy pre-owned quality tested, upgraded and supported Apple devices," says King. "They will use a more economical repair service for out of warranty work. They'll take advantage of the ability to sell or trade their used product, too."

King isn't worried about competition because, so far, there's no other company quite like Experimac.

"There is nothing that can provide our selection of Apple products and low prices with trade-in and buy back in the area," says King.

King will be in charge of Experimac stores located in the Quad Cities (Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa and Rock Island, East Moline and Moline in Illinois). He will be responsible for bringing the newest concept from industry veteran United Franchise Group throughout the area.

King plans to work with his son to grow the business. To start out, King will be the business manager and his son will be the store manager. Eventually, King will hand the reigns to his son when he decides to retire for good.

ABOUT EXPERIMAC

Experimac is the latest addition to the United Franchise Group family of brands, joining a team with over 30 years of franchise experience. Capitalizing on a sustained demand for Apple® products, Experimac provides pre-owned computers and devices, repair of laptops, phones and tablets, trade-ins of existing devices, sales of accessories and software and upgrades. For more information visit www.experimac.com.

09 Sep 2015

Muscatine Hy-Vee Employee Earns Company's Highest Honor

By Rick Martin

Phil Schliesman Named 2015 Hy-Vee Legendary Customer Service Award Recipient

MUSCATINE, Iowa (Sept. 4, 2015) ? If you live in Muscatine, chances are good that your trip to Hy-Vee is not complete without stopping to see Phil Schliesman, assistant manager, and chatting with him about your latest vacation or your family.

"I believe customers come to the Muscatine store just to see Phil," said Tim Cernin, district vice president of Hy-Vee's eastern district. "When customers come to shop at the store, they are treated as if they are family because of the relationship Phil builds with them. He possesses a genuine interest in his customers and their lives."

The connections he creates with customers and the genuine care he exhibits are just two of the reasons Schliesman's co-workers and customers nominated him for Hy-Vee's highest honor, the Legendary Customer Service Award.

"Phil is the poster child for customer service. It is employees like him that make Hy-Vee great," said Jim Simmons, the Muscatine Hy-Vee store director. "There is not a day that goes by that you don't hear customers laughing and having a good time in the front of the store ? that's all due to Phil and his love for our customers."

This morning, fellow employees, family members and customers gathered at the Hy-Vee in Muscatine to surprise Schliesman with the award. The Legendary Customer Service Awards recognize exemplary achievement in providing service that exceeds customers' expectations. Only 10 winners are selected each year from among more than 78,000 Hy-Vee employees in eight states.

"Phil is the face of the Muscatine Hy-Vee," said Jake Hardman, manager of perishables at the store. "When people have a problem, they seek Phil. When they have a compliment, they find Phil. And when they have a new addition to the family, they cannot wait to express their joy to Mr. Schliesman."

Schliesman is a fixture in the Muscatine community, volunteering in local classrooms and coaching youth sports. When his young athletes do not have rides to practices or games, Schliesman will drive across town to pick them up so they can play.

Adam Berntgen, manager of general merchandise at the Muscatine Hy-Vee, said Schliesman never seeks the spotlight but instead quietly takes care of his customers and community.

"If Phil couldn't pick up those children, many of them would not be able to participate in sports," Berntgen said. "He doesn't do it for the thanks. He does it for the kids, the community and for Hy-Vee. Phil takes pride in his company and job, but most of all, he takes pride in the people of Muscatine. He is a wonderful example of how we should all be leading our professional and personal lives."

Candidates are nominated for the Legendary Customer Service Award by their co-workers, and winners are selected by a panel of Hy-Vee's top officers. Nominations are evaluated on the employee's overall contributions to the company in nine areas: passion for customer service, attitude, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving skills, dedication to Hy-Vee fundamentals, communication skills, professional image and self-confidence.

Hy-Vee's Chairman, CEO and President Randy Edeker said Schliesman is exactly the type of employee company officials had in mind when the Legendary Customer Service Award was established in 2006.

"Phil personifies what Hy-Vee stands for ? helpful, honest and respectful service to our customers. His dedication to this community and the people that live in it is evident each and every day through his hard work," Edeker said. "This award honors the best of the best, and Phil is most deserving of this recognition."

Schliesman and the other 2015 recipients of the Legendary Customer Service Award will be inducted into Hy-Vee's Customer Service Hall of Fame and receive a coveted Legendary Customer Service name badge and a custom-designed ring to commemorate the honor. They will be guests of honor at their area's service award dinner in October, which honors employees for longevity of service in five-year increments, from five years to 45 years and beyond. They will also be recognized at Hy-Vee's annual stockholders' meeting in December. And finally, their photos will be prominently featured on the side of Hy-Vee trucks, taking their helpful smiles to millions of travelers throughout the Midwest.

 

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04 Sep 2015

Genesis Health Insurance Navigator Program Receives Grants

By Craig Cooper

Genesis Receives Federal Enrollment Grants

DAVENPORT,  Iowa - September 2, 2015 - Genesis Health System was awarded two federal grants today to assist in enrolling Quad City area residents in insurance coverage for the 2015-2016 Affordable Care Act enrollment period.

"These grants will help us reinforce our commitment to the communities we serve in making sure they have access to health care coverage," said Michele Cullen, community health manager, Genesis Health System. "We are excited to get back out in the community for the coming enrollment period and help our neighbors access new coverage options."

This marks the third consecutive year that Genesis Health System has received federal funds to administrate its enrollment program. The grants help pay for the enrollment assisters, also known as "navigators," and their work in the community.

Genesis received $118,631 and $79,181 in Iowa and Illinois, respectively. Counties served will be Scott, Clinton, and Jackson in Iowa; and Rock Island and Mercer in Illinois.

Genesis Health System is one of only three organizations in the state of Iowa, one of only seven organizations in Illinois, and the only health care system serving the Quad City area, to receive federal grants to assist in enrollment.

Open enrollment, the period in which most people will qualify to shop for new health coverage plans on the state exchanges, will begin on November 15, 2015 and run until February 15, 2016. Some people who have had a life-changing event - job loss, death, birth in the family are examples -- or qualify for expanded Medicaid, may not have to wait for the open enrollment period.

To speak to a Genesis enrollment navigator about coverage options, call (563) 421-ENRL (3675) or send email to enrollment@genesishealth.com.

For more information, contact Austin Bird at (563) 421-9276 or birda@genesishealth.com.

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03 Sep 2015

MUNGER: NONPROFITS ARE, AND WILL REMAIN, TOP PRIORITY

By Rich Carter
Comptroller committed to paying most vulnerable

CHICAGO - Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger released the following statement Tuesday in response to a Federal Court's denial of a motion to hold the state in contempt of court over payments tied to the Ligas Consent Decree impacting services for people with developmental disabilities:
"I am grateful to the Court for recognizing that our office has done, and will continue to do, everything in its power to ensure that the state's budget shortfall does not impact payment for services for people with developmental disabilities.
"Since being sworn into office eight months ago, I have made payments for those serving our most vulnerable my top priority. Long before I assumed public office, I spent years volunteering for an organization serving the intellectually and developmentally disabled - and I saw firsthand the pain that is caused when the state does not meet its obligations in a timely fashion. As the state's Chief Fiscal Officer, I have made it my mission to ensure that other organizations do not face similar hardship.
"I have traveled the state meeting with nonprofit and social service providers in recent months, and whether I'm in Rockford or East St. Louis, the message is the same: to truly bring relief to those serving our most vulnerable, Illinois must pass a balanced budget."
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02 Sep 2015

State and the Teamsters One Step Closer to Finalizing Agreement

By Catherine Kelly

Units Representing 4600 State Employees Sign On

SPRINGFIELD - All eligible units of the Teamsters union have signed onto a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with the state of Illinois. The current agreement expired June 30, 2015.

The state previously announced an agreement with Teamsters Local 700, which covered 300 state workers in Cook County. Today's announcement covers Teamsters throughout the state and increases the number of covered employees to 4,600. Members of the Teamsters will vote to ratify the agreement within the next few weeks.

"This agreement is good for taxpayers and good for state employees," Governor Bruce Rauner said.  "We were able to reach an agreement with the Teamsters quickly because all parties negotiated in good faith, something we are committed to doing with all unions representing state employees."

The terms of the agreement include :

·         Maintenance of the current level of health care benefits for employees and their dependents as part of the State's continued contributions to the independent Teamsters Local 727 Health & Welfare Fund.

·         A four-year wage freeze, continuing the 75% in-hire rate.

·         Continuation of a 40-hour work week.

·         A new performance incentive program to reward employees with bonuses for cost-saving measures and meeting or exceeding performance metrics.

·         A collaborative program that allows management and the Teamsters to work together to provide low-cost alternatives to outsourcing.

·         A reduction in the payout for accumulated unused vacation from 75 to 45 days for employees hired after January 1, 2016.

Status with various Teamster bargaining units:

·         Teamsters Local 700 (Cook County highway maintainers): 300 members; agreement ratified by members.

·         Teamsters Local 700 (Master Sergeants): 200 members; agreement ratified by members.

·         Teamsters Local 330 (suburban group): 300 members; tentative agreement signed; members will hold ratification vote in the next few weeks.

·         Teamsters Local 916 (Protech): 1100 members; tentative agreement signed; members will hold ratification vote in the next few weeks.

·         Teamsters Downstate Illinois State Employee Negotiating Committee: 2700 members; tentative agreement signed; members will hold ratification vote in the next few weeks.

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