23 May 2014

Loebsack Blocks Amendment Harmful to Arsenal Workers

By Joe Hand

Other Loebsack Authored Provisions Pass House

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today led a bipartisan group of members, including 51 Republicans, to block an amendment offered to the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would have had a negative impact on workers at arsenals and depots, including those at Rock Island Arsenal. The amendment would have significantly reduced the amount of work that would have gone to arsenals and depots and would overturn decades of commonsense policies that have ensured the Armed Forces get the best possible equipment at the lowest cost to the taxpayer. Video of Loebsack speaking in opposition to the amendment can be seen here.

"The men and women who serve our nation deserve the best support, resources and care available. This amendment would have had a direct impact on workers at the Rock Island Arsenal and I am proud to have led the fight along with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up for these workers. This is also a win for taxpayers across the country. The proposed amendment would have raised costs by not producing the best value for the Department of Defense and our service men and women."

Other initiatives authored by Loebsack to support the Rock Island Arsenal and included in the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) were passed by the full House today. Loebsack is the only member of the Iowa delegation who serves on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC). Specific details of the provisions Loebsack authored can be found here.

"As a military parent, I am proud to have worked to deliver the level of support and access to resources they deserve. These provisions I authored will help both the Arsenal and Quad Cities' economy remain strong. While I do not support every provision in this bill, I am proud to have addressed many Iowa priorities. By making the Rock Island Arsenal stronger, this legislation ensures our troops and military families have the resources they need, and at the same time, strengthening our economy here at home." 

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22 May 2014

New Jiffy Lube® Grand Opening Celebration

By The Buzz Gallery of modern Art

"Car Care just got more convenient. Two Jiffy Lube location now open in the Quad Cities."

Davenport, IA- "Jiffy Lube® is North America's largest network of fast-lube service centers and our customers receive excellent value for their car-care dollar," said Dan Dabizljevic, Vice President of Operations. "We are dedicated to delivering high-quality service and demonstrating to our customers that we want to be their trusted, vehicle preventative-maintenance choice for life."

A day of celebration is planned to kick off the official grand opening of both Quad Cities Jiffy Lube locations. At the 3430 Elmore Ave location in Davenport the #22 Shell NASCAR will be making an appearance; along with NASCAR simulators and a live remote from Dwyer & Michaels. Events begin at 9 am including an official ribbon cutting at 11 am.

The 2777 18th Street, Bettendorf location has a day of events as well, starting off with a Jumpin' Joey's bounce house for the kids. Zany Janie will also be making an appearance for face painting and balloon animals as well. The Bettendorf Jiffy Lube will also receive an official ribbon cutting at noon.

Both locations will be offering savings on our Signature Service Oil Changes all weekend long. Along with the service savings, customers will also be receiving FRN gas cards and certificates good towards their next oil change valued at over $45. At both locations you can also enter to win a pair of tickets to see Tim McGraw in Chicago and get access to a pre-concert appearance.

As always, Jiffy Lube® customers receive free top-offs on motor oil and vital fluids between service visits for up to 3,000 miles.

  • Other preventative maintenance services available at Jiffy Lube® will include :

  • Automatic transmission fluid exchange

  • Fuel filter replacement / fuel system cleaning

  • Light bulb replacement

  • Serpentine belt replacement

  • Battery cleaning & replacement

  • Engine air filter & passenger cabin air filter replacement

  • Radiator antifreeze/coolant replacement

  • Windshield wiper replacement

  • And more...

About Jiffy Lube

Jiffy Lube® pioneered the fast oil change industry more than 30 years ago, today with more than 2,000 locations in North America over 22 million customers each year rely on the brand to keep their vehicles running right. Jiffy Lube® helped define vehicle preventive maintenance by upholding the values that the company was founded upon: convenience, speed and quality service. But Jiffy Lube® understands that vehicle maintenance can be stressful. Today, Jiffy Lube® continues on the journey to help every driver be free from the anxiety of keeping their vehicle in top shape. Jiffy Lube® helps keep your vehicle running right for the long haul, so you can Leave Worry Behind.

Contact

To learn more about Jiffy Lube Quad Cities visit: www.jiffylubequadcities.com

22 May 2014

Loebsack Praises Inclusion of SECTORS Act in Workforce Development Overhaul

By Joe Hand

Legislation works on the local level to train workers to compete in 21st Century global economy

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that large portions of his signature legislation, the SECTORS Act, were incorporated into the bipartisan, bicameral agreement to improve the nation's workforce development system. This plan, introduced by Senator Tom Harkin, Rep. John Kline, Rep. George Miller and Rep. Virginia Fox, among others, is designed to improve the nation's workforce development system through new legislation, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Loebsack's SECTORS Act links together businesses, labor organizations, local stakeholders, and education and training providers connected to a particular industry. These partnerships work to develop or implement plans for growing or saving that targeted industry, promoting long-term competitiveness and advancing employment opportunities for workers. The inclusion of the legislation will ensure employees on the local level are properly trained so they can effectively compete in the 21st Century global economy. Loebsack first introduced the SECTORS Act in 2009 and the House of Representatives unanimously passed it in 2010. While it was not taken up in the Senate, Loebsack has continued to fight for its passage.

"As I meet with business leaders in Iowa, I hear time and time again that they are unable to find workers with the skill sets they need to hire, despite high unemployment rates. There is a gap between the kinds of skills that workers have and the kind of skills that businesses need. That is why my SECTORS Act is so important. Sector partnerships will work to address this gap by targeting workforce development efforts to foster the kind of skills that local businesses need right now.

"Sector partnerships have proven effective in revitalizing our manufacturing sector and helping to create high-skill, high-wage jobs here at home. They work at the local level to ensure employees are properly trained so they can effectively compete in the 21st Century global economy. I am pleased that the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act adds a requirement at the local level for implementation of sector partnerships and I will continue to fight to provide additional supports for these collaborations."

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act represents a compromise between the SKILLS Act (H.R. 803), which passed the House of Representatives in March of 2013 with bipartisan support, and the Workforce Investment Act of 2013 (S. 1356). It has been over a decade since the Workforce Investment Act has been reauthorized.

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22 May 2014

Grassley Urges U.S. Trade Review for Steel Pipe Makers Including Camanche Facility

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is among the U.S. senators urging the Administration to give full consideration to the domestic steel industry's concerns about unfairly priced imports in a case that the manufacturer says caused reduced operating hours at a facility in Camanche in Clinton County.

"We write to express our concerns with the Commerce Department's preliminary determination in the antidumping investigation of Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) imports from Korea," Grassley and fellow senators wrote to Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. "This case has nationwide economic implications, and any final determination must be based on accurate data and objective methodologies.  As the Department continues the investigation, we ask that you fully consider the domestic industry's allegations and take action against any unfair dumping to the fullest extent of the law."

The trade case before the U.S. Department of Commerce involves Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG).  These products are used for domestic oil and gas exploration ? especially shale ? and are produced by companies including TMK IPSCO.  The company has reduced operating hours at several facilities, including its facility in Camanche, over "increasing pressure from unfairly traded imports."

Grassley and his fellow senators urged the Department of Commerce to consider all of the data associated with this case and fully enforce U.S. trade laws to ensure American businesses and workers are not harmed by unfairly priced imports.

The letter Grassley signed is available here.

A press release from TMK IPSCO is available here.

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21 May 2014

Governor Quinn Statement on House Passage of Minimum Wage Referendum

By Dave Blanchette

Advisory Referendum Asks Voters if They Support Raising Illinois' Minimum Wage

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement regarding Illinois House passage of House Bill 3814 - an advisory referendum to ask voters if they support increasing the state's minimum wage to $10 an hour. The bill is sponsored by House Speaker Michael Madigan and now goes to the Illinois Senate. Governor Quinn is committed to raising the minimum wage in 2014.

"Democracy is about having a voice. I'm glad that voters will have a chance to make their voices heard on this important issue that will benefit hundreds of thousands of working people across Illinois.

"We must build an economy that works for everyone. Raising the minimum wage will support hardworking men and women across our state and boost Illinois' economy by increasing spending at local businesses.

"I applaud Speaker Madigan and the members of the Illinois House who voted today to move this referendum forward.

"As we work to build a majority to raise the minimum wage in Illinois, this referendum will help us get the job done."

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21 May 2014

Loebsack Praises House Passage of Water Infrastructure Bill that Creates Jobs and Invests in our Economy

By Vonnie Hampel

Legislation contains Loebsack's measure to protect Cedar Rapids from future floods

Washington D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today praised the overwhelming House passage of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). This bipartisan legislation authorizes Corps of Engineers funding for improvements to ports, waterways and projects tied to flood protection, drinking water, dams and levees and environmental restoration. The legislation contains flood protection measures for downtown Cedar Rapids that Loebsack fought to expand after the Floods of 2008. He also pushed to move WRRDA forward in order to address critical flood protection and transportation concerns on the Mississippi River. Loebsack is a cosponsor of legislation that was incorporated into WRRDA that will explore the creation of public-private partnerships between the Army Corps of Engineers and private entities as financing alternatives for lock and dam capital projects.

"I am pleased that there is light at the end of the tunnel and this important legislation is finally on track to be signed into law, though it is way past due. Our outdated, crumbling infrastructure is an area I believe continued investment is highly critical. These projects will create jobs, have a direct impact on our economy, and provide safety and protection for Iowans. Iowa farmers, manufacturers, businesses and local economies rely on the Mississippi River infrastructure. It is clear that the locks and dams along the Mississippi River are deteriorating and significantly harming the economic development in the region. This bill is very important to Iowa, not just for the locks and dams, but also for much of our flood protection and Army Corps projects that are needed to keep our communities safe."

This conference report will now go to the Senate, where it is expected to pass and head to the President's desk for his signature.

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20 May 2014

DEMOLITION STARTS AT SOUTHPARK MALL

By Aleshia Chiesa

Construction crews start the demolition process on the Sears Building at SouthPark Mall

WHO: SouthPark formally announced redevelopment plans a few months ago and today the movement officially starts. The 40 year old shopping center is getting a little work done and the goal is an elevated shopping experience. Construction crews are set to tear down the former Sears building to start Phase I of the redevelopment of SouthPark Mall.

Guests to the property can expect to see construction crews, bulldozers and large machinery. All entrances will remain open and guests are encouraged to park in either the Dillard's, Younkers, JCPenney or Von Maur lots for easy and convenient access. All stores will be open during the construction phase.

WHAT: Demolition starts today with the former Sears building and will continue through the next several weeks as the former food court gets demolished. This is Phase I of the over 250,000 sq ft to be removed from the property.

The end result will be a new, invigorating shopping experience complete with additional retailers as well as an enhanced experience and new amenities.

Retailers and shoppers are encouraged to get the behind the scenes info on the redevelopment by visiting www.shopsouthparkmall-il.com/redevelopment or follow us on Twitter @SouthParkMallIL and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SouthParkMallIL.

19 May 2014

Illinois pays another $1.5 billion in old bills Total backlog of bills drops to $4.2 billion

By Abdon Pallasch, Asst. Budget Director

From a high of $9.9 billion in 2010, Illinois' backlog of bills has now fallen to $4.174 billion -- the lowest it has been in years.

Governor Pat Quinn inherited a system in which one year's bills were carried over to be paid in the following year. Gov. Quinn and the General Assembly worked together to end that practice and set aside money each month to pay down the backlog that rose to $9.9 billion during the recession.

The bond ratings agencies have praised the administration's efforts as the backlog has come down, with Fitch Ratings noting, "The state prudently used higher than forecast income tax collections in fiscal 2013 to pay down a portion of the accounts payable balance."

Moody's added, "The governor's budget for the first time demonstrates how the state might decrease its unpaid bill backlog over several years. It presents a "blueprint" showing the state trimming accounts payable to about $2.2 billion, as of the end of fiscal 2019. This amount, consistent with a 30-day payment cycle, would be only a third of the backlog at the end of fiscal 2013."

"Even as outside factors have forced us to make difficult but financially sound choices in all areas of the state budget, Governor Quinn has maintained the discipline of dedicating money to pay down the backlog of bills," said Acting Budget Director Jerome Stermer.

The backlog is cyclical, generally falling in the first part of the year as income tax receipts come in and rising in the second half of the year, but the overall trend has been down as the administration, working with the General Assembly, has dedicated resources to paying down the backlog, Stermer said.

Beginning in January, on the 15th of each month, the Governor's Office of Management and Budget has posted on its website a detailed account of the backlog of bills. Traditionally, April is the strongest month for state tax receipts and for paying down old bills. http://www2.illinois.gov/gov/budget/Documents/Bill%20Backlog%20Presentation%205.14.14.pdf This April's results surpassed last April's, with the final backlog number posted Thursday $1.1 billion less than the previous April.

The administration's latest forecast for the where the backlog would finish at the end of the fiscal year on June 30 was $4.9 billion. While the backlog typically rises in May, the administration foresees no problem hitting its target for the end of the fiscal year.
19 May 2014

Governor Quinn Announces Cloverleaf Cold Storage Company Opening New Facility in Monmouth

By Dave Blanchette

Company Will Create 155 Jobs and Invest $30 Million in Local Economy

MONMOUTH - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Cloverleaf Cold Storage Company will open a $30 million refrigerated warehouse and distribution center that will create 155 local full-time jobs. The facility will serve the Smithfield Farmland Corporation, which has an adjacent site in Monmouth. Today's announcement follows recent news that Illinois' unemployment rate is at its lowest point since 2008 and is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to keep the progress going by creating jobs and driving Illinois' economy forward.

"This new facility will create more than 150 good jobs and help Cloverleaf and Smithfield Farmland grow together in western Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "The cooperative effort between state agencies and local officials to build this remarkable facility shows that even in our Prairie State, we'll move mountains when it comes to creating jobs."

The 235,000-square-foot refrigerated warehouse and distribution center is the first Illinois site for Cloverleaf, which has 15 locations around the country. Cloverleaf is a family-owned company that dates from 1934 and provides public and contract storage for the meat processing and packaging industries. The company is based in Sioux City, Iowa and has more than 900 employees.

"Cloverleaf's investment in this new facility highlights not only the strategic location that Illinois occupies in the food distribution network, it emphasizes our faith that we will be able to hire and retain a highly-skilled and technically proficient workforce," Cloverleaf spokesman Adam Feiges said.

"There has been great cooperation between private enterprise and state and local governments, including the necessary capital investments, infrastructure work and incentives, to help make this project a reality," Monmouth Mayor Rod Davies said.

Cloverleaf hopes to expand the new facility to 315,000 square feet within three to five years and increase employment by another 50 jobs.

Cloverleaf will receive an assistance package with an estimated value of $6 million, a major determining factor in the company's decision to locate in Monmouth. The city of Monmouth and government agencies in Warren County have authorized incentives totaling $3.4 million for the project, most of it in the form of 10-year abatement on property taxes.

Programs from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will provide the company an estimated $1.2 million in benefits, including an investment tax credit and a sales tax exemption for being in an enterprise zone. The DCEO package includes a $325,000 grant to the city for infrastructure work associated with the plant. The Illinois Department of Transportation has committed to approximately $1.5 million in road improvements, much of it for widening U.S. Route 67 and a new access road to accommodate truck traffic. DCEO's agreement with Cloverleaf requires the company to repay a portion of the grant if it fails to hit its target of 155 new jobs by the end of 2015.

Last week, Governor Quinn announced a new company is coming to Galesburg, just a short drive from Monmouth. The company is Pegasus MFG Inc., a provider of precision parts and assemblies that is relocating from California and bringing 17 jobs.

Today's event follows news that Illinois' unemployment rate for April dropped to 7.9 percent - its lowest level in more than five years and lower than when the Governor took office. Since the peak of the recession, Illinois has added nearly 250,000 jobs. More people working in Illinois last month pushed the rate down 0.5 points, the lowest rate since December 2008 and largest monthly decline in the history of this data series that began in 1976.

Since taking office and inheriting decades of mismanagement, the Governor has enacted worker's compensation reform and unemployment insurance reform to make Illinois a better place to do business, in addition to major fiscal reforms such as pension reform and Medicaid restructuring that are restoring fiscal stability to Illinois. Today Governor Quinn is pushing a new tax cut for businesses that provide job training. By lowering the cost to train workers, this will make it easier for businesses to create new jobs and ensure workers have the skills to drive a 21st century economy.

The Governor is also proposing to reduce the fee to establish a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) by more than 90 percent, from $500 to $39 - the lowest in the nation. Formation as an LLC encourages entrepreneurs to invest their time and money into viable business enterprises. Reducing the filing fee to $39 would make it easier for small businesses to start and grow in Illinois.

For more information on why Illinois is the right place for business, visit www.illinois.gov/dceo.

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16 May 2014

Governor Quinn Visits Innovative Manufacturer as Illinois Comeback Continues

By Dave Blanchette

State Unemployment Rate Reaches Lowest Level Since 2008

CICERO - As Illinois' unemployment rate fell to its lowest point in more than five years, Governor Pat Quinn today visited an innovative and growing local manufacturer, United Gasket Corporation, to discuss the state's ongoing economic recovery from the worst recession since the Great Depression. Illinois' unemployment rate has dropped to 7.9 percent - its lowest level in more than five years and lower than when the Governor took office. Today's event is part of the Governor's commitment to driving Illinois' economy forward.

"Illinois is making a comeback," Governor Quinn said. "Today's news that unemployment has fallen to its lowest level since 2008 is further proof that our economy is expanding and creating jobs. Companies like United Gasket Corporation are hiring, small companies are being created and larger companies are growing and adding more workers."

"While we know we have much more work to do to create more jobs and growth in Illinois, this is good news and we must continue driving our economy forward," the Governor said.

The Illinois unemployment rate hit a new five-year low in April when it fell to 7.9 percent, according to data released earlier today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. More people working pushed the rate down 0.5 points, the lowest rate since December 2008 and largest monthly decline in the history of this data series that began in 1976.

Since taking office and inheriting decades of mismanagement, the Governor has enacted worker's compensation reform and unemployment insurance reform to make Illinois a better place to do business, in addition to major fiscal reforms such as pension reform and Medicaid restructuring that are restoring fiscal stability to Illinois. Today Governor Quinn is pushing a new tax cut for businesses that provide job training. By lowering the cost to train workers, this will make it easier for businesses to create new jobs and ensure workers have the skills to drive a 21st century economy.

The Governor is also proposing to reduce the fee to establish a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) by more than 90 percent, from $500 to $39 - the lowest in the nation. Formation as an LLC encourages entrepreneurs to invest their time and money into viable business enterprises. Reducing the filing fee to $39 would make it easier for small businesses to start and grow in Illinois.

United Gasket Corporation is an innovative Illinois company that has reported double-digit percentage growth in revenue and profit for each of the last three years. The manufacturer of custom die cut parts for automobiles and other industries currently employs 90 people, but expects that number to increase by 10 to 15 percent in the next six months.

"We are thrilled with the support we have received from the state for job training and to improve our production," United Gasket President Mark Pahios said. "The resources here have helped us develop business in Mexico and China. We are working hard to send Illinois products into those markets."

United Gasket has received about $20,000 in state job-training grants over the last decade for services accessed through University of Illinois Business Innovation Services. The company has invested in lean manufacturing techniques to take out unneeded costs and push into new markets overseas.

Governor Quinn said the company's commitment points to a need for state government to adopt a responsible budget that supports Illinois' core strengths in the global economy - its education, workforce training and transportation systems.

For more information on doing business in Illinois, visit illinois.gov/dceo.

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