17 Oct 2011

Governor Quinn Advances Workers Compensation Reform with Arbitrator Appointments

By Katelyn Tye

All Arbitrators Vetted in Overhaul of System Following This Year's Reforms

CHICAGO - October 14, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the appointments of 29 arbitrators in Illinois' workers' compensation system. Arbitrators rule on claims filed under the state's Workers Compensation Act. The appointments are part of a package of reforms to the workers' compensation system that Governor Quinn pushed through the General Assembly and signed earlier this year.

The overhaul called for the Governor to make appointments or reappointments to fill all arbitrator positions, considering recommendations from the Workers' Compensation Advisory Board. Members of the board - six representing employers and six representing workers - were appointed by the Governor earlier this year. Each appointed arbitrator also underwent a rigorous vetting process by the Advisory Board and the Office of the Governor.

"These arbitrator appointments are a key step in ensuring that our workers' compensation system is professional, transparent, and fair for both workers and employers," Governor Quinn said. "These reforms are crucial to improving Illinois' business climate, and this new group of arbitrators will be the most credentialed and experienced group of professionals Illinois has ever had in place to judge workers' compensation cases."

In 2010, Illinois had the third highest workers' compensation premium costs in the nation. This year's reforms are projected to result in a nearly 9 percent decrease in compensation costs for employers, based on a filing with the Illinois Department of Insurance by the National Council on Compensation Insurance. Illinois employers are expected to save up to $500 million annually in premiums as a result of the overhaul package.

While only 4 percent of the roughly 50,000 claims filed with the commission each year involve state employees, recent reports of a high level of claims, awards and settlements involving state employees in certain jurisdictions have resulted in an ongoing investigation by the Illinois Department of Insurance. To avoid the possibility that long-standing relationships among parties could compromise the integrity of the process, the reform package included the random assignment of cases amongst arbitrators. In addition, arbitrators will now rotate among the Illinois' statewide hearing sites every 90 days.

Under the new law, all newly-appointed arbitrators must be attorneys. Five sitting arbitrators who are not attorneys were reappointed based on their years of experience and exemplary performance, as allowed under the reform law. In total, 24 of the 29 total arbitrator appointees are attorneys.

Nine sitting arbitrators were not reappointed by the Governor: John Dibble, Gilberto Galicia, James Giordano, Kathleen Hagan, Robert Lammie, Andrew Nalefski, Richard Peterson and Joseph Prieto. One arbitrator, Charles DeVriendt, will be appointed to the Commission. Former arbitrator Jennifer Teague resigned as of July 30, 2011.

Governor Quinn has appointed:

 

Peter Akemann of Kane County has more than 10 years of experience in State government and has been with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 1994.  Previously Mr. Akemann worked as a regional claims manager for the Illinois Department of Transportation, is the President of the Children's Theatre of Elgin / Fox Valley Theatre Co., and has been an active member of community organizations such as the YMCA and the Youth Leadership Academy.  He holds a master's of education from Northern Illinois University, an M.A. from Northwestern University, and a B.S. from Brigham Young University.  Mr. Akemann has been appointed to a 1-year term as an arbitrator.

George Andros of Cook County has more than 30 years of experience practicing law and has been with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 2005.  Mr. Andros holds a J.D. from DePaul University and a B.S. in Management from Northern Illinois University.  Previously he was an instructor in real estate law at South Suburban and Moraine Valley Colleges, a senior member of the City of Palos Hills Planning and Zoning Commission, a speaker at the University of Chicago Center for Continuing Education on Medical-legal issues and a speaker for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education.  Mr. Andros has been appointed to a 1-year term as an arbitrator.

Milton Black of Lake County has more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation with an emphasis on workers' compensation, negligence and wrongful death.  Mr. Black has been with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 2004, while serving on the Board of Directors of the Workplace Injury Litigation Group, the American Bar Association Employer Liability Section and Trial and Insurance Practice Section.  He holds a J.D. from DePaul University. Mr. Black has been a lecturer at numerous workplace injury and workers' compensation seminars and was appointed to the Select Committee of Judges and Lawyers by the Illinois Supreme Court.  Mr. Black has been appointed to a 3-year term as an arbitrator.

Kurt Carlson of Cook County has more than 15 years of experience as a workers' compensation attorney, and has been an arbitrator with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 2004.  Previously he represented both employers and injured workers at the Macey, Chern and Diab, Teplitz & Bell, and Power & Cronin law firms.  Mr. Carlson also served in the U.S. Army Medical Corp before obtaining his B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago.  Mr. Carlson has been appointed to a 2-year term as an arbitrator.

Brian Cronin of Cook County has more than 20 years of experience in the finance and business, and has been an arbitrator at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 1996.  Previously Mr. Cronin was an independent and head trader, broker, trading floor manager and an options specialist for several firms, including the Chicago Board of Trade, Barclays Bank, and O'Connell & Piper Associates.  He holds an MBA in Finance and Business Policy from the University of Chicago, and an MBA in Management and Finance from the University of Notre Dame.  Mr. Cronin has been appointed to a 2-year term as an arbitrator.

 

Carolyn Doherty of DuPage County has more than 20 years of experience in workers' compensation, insurance law, and has served as an attorney with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 1998.  Ms. Doherty also serves as an Arbitrator in Cook and DuPage County Mandatory Arbitration systems on a rotational basis.  She holds a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School and a B.A. from Marquette University, and previously worked as an associate at the Sedgwick, Detert, Moran and Arnold, Hanson & Peters, and Schoen & Smith law firms.   Ms. Doherty has been appointed to a 2-year term as an arbitrator.

Greg Dollison of Cook County has more than 20 years of experience with the Workers' Compensation Commission as a review coordinator, and has moderated negotiations between employers and union representatives.  He has served as an arbitrator for the IWCC since 2004.  Mr. Dollison has B.S. in City and Regional Planning from the Illinois Institute of Technology and attended Roosevelt University.  Mr. Dollison has been appointed to a 2-year term as an arbitrator.

Anthony Erbacci of Cook County has more than 25 years of extensive experience in State government and insurance and labor law.  He has served as a staff attorney at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 1996 and has been an arbitrator since 1997.  Previously Mr. Erbacci served as the Deputy General Counsel of Office of the Special Deputy Receiver, Inc., as Deputy Director of Statewide Enforcement and Chief of Medical Prosecutions at the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, and as Counsel for the Illinois Department of Labor.  He received a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School and a B.A. from DePaul University.  Mr. Erbacci has been appointed to a 3-year term as an arbitrator.

Robert Falcioni of Will County has served as a staff attorney and as Acting Commissioner at the Illinois Industrial Commission (Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission), and has been an arbitrator since 1997.   He has more than 20 years of law experience is an adjunct faculty member and instructor of the paralegal program at South Suburban College.  Previously Mr. Falcioni was managing partner at Falcioni and Britt, after serving as an attorney at the Charles R. Stone, Hyatt Legal Services and Zalutsky, Pinski and DiGiacamo law firms.  He holds a J.D. from Chicago-Kent School of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology and a B.S. from Illinois State University.  Mr. Falcioni has been appointed to a 3-year term as an arbitrator.

Barbara Flores of Cook County brings more than five years of law experience as Corporate Counsel of Alden Management Services, previously in the Labor and Employment law department at the U.S. Postal Service, and as an Assistant Attorney General in the Labor and Employment Unit at the Office of the Attorney General.  Ms. Flores also previously worked at the firm Rock, Fusco and Garvey and at the AIDS Legal Council of Chicago.  She holds a J.D. from Chicago-Kent School of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and a B.S. from the University of Illinois.  Ms. Flores has been appointed to a 2-year term as an arbitrator.

Joann Fratianni-Atsaves of Lake County has more than 30 years of workers' compensation law experience, having served as a Commissioner (Public Member) for three years and as an arbitrator with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 1993. She previously has worked at the Anthony V. Fanone and Osterkamp, Jackson and Hollywood law firms, is a Fellow of the Illinois Bar Foundation, current assembly member of the Illinois State Bar Association, and a member of the Lake County Bar Association Board of Directors.  She received J.D. from Northern Illinois University and a B.A. from the University of Illinois.  Ms. Fratianni-Atsaves has been appointed to a 3-year term as an arbitrator.

Gerald Granada of Cook County has 17 years of experience of workers' compensation law, and is currently an Associate Attorney at Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, DiCianni & Rolek. Previously, he worked as a civil trial and workers' compensation defense attorney at Meachum, Spahr, Cozzi, Postel, Zenz & Matyas, and as an associate attorney at Cullen, Haskins, Nicholson & Menchetti. Mr. Granada has been appointed to a 1-year term as an arbitrator.

 

Douglas Holland of LaSalle County has more than 20 years of experience with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.  Mr. Holland has served as an arbitrator with the Commission since 1989, and prior to that served for three years as a Commissioner.   He is a farmer and entrepreneur, and holds a B.A. from Sangamon State University, and attended Illinois Valley Community College.  Mr. Holland has been appointed to a 1-year term as an arbitrator.

 

Gerald Jutila of Cook County brings more than 30 years of experience representing injured or deceased workers and their families.  He has served as Acting Chairman of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, and has been an arbitrator since 2004.  Previously he was an attorney at May, Decker and Associates, managing partner at Collins, Jutila and Shovlain, and counsel at Gibson and Kopsick.  Mr. Jutila is a Life Fellow of the Illinois State Bar Association since 1996 and has been a member of numerous professional law associations.  He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force Security Service, where he served as Staff Sergeant and Intelligence Analyst.  Mr. Jutila has been appointed to a 1-year term as an arbitrator.

David Kane of Cook County has 30 years of overall workers' compensation law experience as a staff attorney and a former Acting Commissioner of the Illinois Industrial Commission (Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission).  He has been an arbitrator since 1990.   He holds a J.D. from DePaul University and a B.A. from Northwestern University.  Mr. Kane has been appointed to a 3-year term as an arbitrator.

Svetlana Kelmanson of Cook County brings eight years of law experience, having served as a staff attorney at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, and as a law clerk at the Appellate Court of Illinois First District.  Ms. Kelmanson also worked at the Law Offices of Chicago-Kent College of Law's Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic and the Employment Discrimination / Civil Rights Clinic, and at the law firm Sachnoff  & Weaver.  She holds J.D. with high honors from Chicago-Kent College at the Illinois Institute of Technology and a B.S. from the University of Illinois. Ms. Kelmanson has been appointed to a 3-year term as an arbitrator.

Jacqueline Kinnaman of Cook County has served as a Commissioner of the Illinois Industrial Commission (Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission) for more than 10 years, and has been an arbitrator since 2004. Ms. Kinnaman previously represented public employees as an attorney for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31, and as General Counsel of the West Virginia Education Association. She attended the University of Wisconsin Law School, during which she also worked in the legal counsel office of Governor Schreiber. Ms. Kinnaman has been appointed to a 1-year term as an arbitrator.

Edward Lee of DuPage County has more than 30 years of overall workers' compensation law experience.  He served as a U.S. Army Armor Officer, representing soldiers or the Army in court martial cases.  Mr. Lee worked in private practice specializing in workers' compensation law, representing both respondents and petitioners.  He has been an arbitrator at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 1997, and in 2004 served on the Review Board dealing with disciplinary issues concerning Arbitrators and Commissioners.  He holds a law degree from John Marshall Law School and attended Tulane University for his undergraduate studies.  Mr. Lee has been appointed to a 2-year term as an arbitrator.

Joshua Luskin of Cook County has 15 years of law experience and is currently a partner at the law firm Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry, specializing in workers' compensation. Previously, Mr. Luskin has served as an arbitrator with the Cook County Mandatory Arbitration program, a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps as a prosecutor, as counsel of the Champaign County State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor and a Champaign County Assistant State's Attorney. He holds a J.D. from University of Michigan and a B.A. from Macalester College. Mr. Luskin has been appointed to a 2-year term as an arbitrator.

Molly Mason of Cook County has more than 25 years of workers' compensation law experience, served as a Commissioner with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 2007 and as a staff attorney since 2003. Ms. Mason previously worked at law firms Corti, Freeman & Aleksy, and Burke & Burke, and has published several articles in the Illinois Bar Journal.  She holds a J.D. from Loyola University, and a B.A. from Harvard University.  Ms. Mason has been appointed to a 2-year term as an arbitrator.

 

Stephen Mathis of Sangamon County served for 10 years as Legal Counsel and Staff Analyst for the Illinois Senate Staff, and has been an arbitrator with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 1996.  He holds a J.D. from John Marshall Law School and a B.S from the University of South Florida and has more than 20 years of workers' compensation law experience.  Mr. Mathis has been appointed to a 1-year term as an arbitrator.

Neva Neal Mundstock of Sangamon County has more than 25 years of experience in workers' compensation and has been an arbitrator at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 1981. She has studied Administrative Law and the National Judicial College and holds a B.A. from the University of Illinois at Springfield. Ms. Neal Mundstock has been appointed to a 1­­-year term as an arbitrator.

Peter O'Malley of DuPage County has more than 20 years of workers' compensation experience as a staff attorney of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 1995 and as an arbitrator since 2003.  Previously Mr. O'Malley represented petitioners and respondents in workers' compensation cases at Kubiesa, Power &Cronin and Bullaro, Carton & Stone. He holds a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School and a B.S. from Marquette University.  Mr. O'Malley has been appointed to a 1-year term as an arbitrator.

Maureen Pulia of Cook County brings extensive experience in business, government and workers' compensation.  She has been a staff attorney for Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission and has been an arbitrator since 2003.  Previously, Ms. Pulia was the Director of Access Health, Trustee of the Village of Westchester, and product manager of systems and management at Baxter Healthcare.   She holds a J.D. and a B.S. from DePaul University.  Ms. Pulia has been appointed to a 1-year term as an arbitrator.

 

Deborah Simpson of Kane County has more than 25 years of government and law, having served since 2000 in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General's Administrative Review / Civil Prosecutions Unit.  Previously Ms. Simpson was attorney at the State's Attorney's Offices for Kane, Vermilion and Cook Counties.  She has been a part-time instructor at the Danville Area Community College, and is a member of several community organizations.  She holds a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School and a B.A. from DePaul University.  Ms. Simpson has been appointed to a 2-year term as an arbitrator.

 

Lynette Thompson-Smith of Cook County has been Special Assistant Attorney General of the Illinois Industrial Commission Bureau since 1989. Her previous experience includes working as an Associate at the City of Chicago's Office of the Corporation Counsel prosecuting license violations, as a law clerk at the Circuit Court of Cook County and as a law clerk at the Office of the Cook County Public Defender. She received a Certificate of Completion from the International Workers' Compensation College of the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions at Salve Regina University, Rhode Island and received her Doctorate at Rutgers School of Law in 1983. Ms. Thompson-Smith has been appointed to a 3-year term as an arbitrator.

 

Jeffrey E. Tobin of Morgan County has been an arbitrator with the with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 2004. Mr. Tobin holds a J.D. from T.M. Cooley Law School. Prior to joining the Commission, Mr. Tobin worked at Pratt & Tobin, P.C. from 2000 through August 2002 resolving workers' compensation claims. In 2002, Mr. Tobin was Partner at Thomson, McNeely & Tobin, P.C. handling workers' compensation and personal injury claims. Mr. Tobin has been appointed to a 2-year term as an arbitrator.

 

Ruth White of Sangamon County has been an arbitrator with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission for the last 30 years.  Ms. White graduated from the University of Illinois, College of Law in 1973 and started working at the Law Office of Richard Grummon.  Ms. White served as special Assistant to the Attorney General from 1976-1978 and joined the Workers' Compensation Commission (formerly known as the Industrial Commission) in 1979.  Ms. White has been appointed to a 1-year term as an arbitrator.

Robert Williams of Cook County has more than 30 years of experience practicing law in government and in the private sector, and has been an arbitrator with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission since 1997. Previously, Mr. Williams has served as Chief of the Chicago Industrial Commission bureau of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, as legal counsel for the Illinois Office of the Comptroller and as corporate counsel in the City of Chicago's law department. He also was an associate at Washington, Kennon, Bryant & Hunter, holds an MBA from the University of Illinois, a J.D. from Loyola University, and a B.S. from Le Moyne-Owen College. Mr. Williams has been appointed to a 2-year term as an arbitrator.

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17 Oct 2011

Farm Bill Deficit Deal Must Include Real Reform

By John Crabtree
Lyons, Nebraska - For the Center for Rural Affairs, the most troubling concern about a  proposal rumored to be forthcoming in a letter from House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders to the twelve member deficit reduction "Super Committee" is whether it would follow the trend of recent farm bill proposals and continue to allow the single most wasteful and counterproductive feature of current farm policy - virtually unlimited federal crop and revenue insurance subsidies.


*Following is a list of questions and background on the subjects mentioned above...

Will the nation's largest farms and wealthiest landowners get a pass on contributing to deficit reduction?

Will the Agriculture Committees' recommendations to the Super Committee continue the single most wasteful and counterproductive feature of current farm policy - unlimited payments to subsidize the nation's largest farms to drive small operations out of business?  

Any serious reform of federal farm programs must cap federal crop and revenue insurance subsidies to mega farms.  They are the most expensive element of farm programs, costing $7 billion annually. And if one big corporation farmed all of America, USDA would pay 60 percent of its insurance premiums on every acre for protection from low prices and crop failure.

Why should the federal government pay 60% of crop insurance premiums on every acre of the largest farms and richest landowners in America, especially in the midst of record high farm income and record federal deficits?

Any serious reform must also close loopholes in the cap on other farm payments. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tim Johnson (D-SD) have again introduced legislation to close those loopholes, but it is not incorporated in either the President's proposal or any of the budget proposals introduced in Congress. That means that whatever revised safety net is established will include no cap on benefits for anyone who takes the steps to form a general partnership with investor partners.

Finally, will the Agriculture Committees' budget proposal include any room for funding for rural development and beginning farmer programs that invest in creating a future in rural America?   We probably know the answer.  But consider this.  The two last farm bills have invested an average of about $45 million annually in rural development programs from mandatory funds.  Overall federal rural development funding has fallen by more than one quarter since 2003. (See below.)

Why should continuing recent levels of farm bill funding for rural development be a lesser priority than paying the crop insurance premiums for the biggest farms and richest landowners in America, without limit, at a time of record deficits and record farm income?

Subsidies should be capped to powerful mega-farm interests and the savings reinvested in rural development programs that support small business and beginning farmers, create jobs for ordinary rural Americans and build a more vibrant future for small town America.

Rural Community Development Budget Authority Final Appropriation FY 03-11 and President's Proposed FY 12 Budget (excluding ARRA and mandatory funds for water and sewer backlog )

 

 

FY03

 

FY04

FY05

FY06

FY07

FY08

FY9

FY10

FY11

FY12

Water/Sewer

723.2

 

605

552.1

530.1

554

539

566.8

568

529

489

Buss-ness

127.7

 

91.5

89.6

109.5

71.3

105.9

123.9

121.4

108.3

125

Comm Facility

96.8

 

75.9

89.1

82.6

77

69

50.1

55

41.62

38

Total

947.7

 

772.4

730.8

722.2

702.3

713.9

740.8

744.4

679.1

675
14 Oct 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Statewide Veterans Job Fairs

By Katelyn Tye

SPRINGFIELD - October 13, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn's Office and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) will host job fairs across the state to help put Veterans back to work. The fairs are part of the Governor Quinn's ongoing efforts to grow jobs and connect qualified job seekers with ready-to-hire employers.

 

Thursday, Oct. 27

Tellabs Center, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

1415 West Diehl Road, Naperville

Business contact: Cornel Thomas (630) 495-5781

 

John A. Logan College, Conference Center, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

700 Logan College Road, Carterville

Business contact: John Otey (618) 242-6121 ext. 130

 

Monday, Nov. 7.

American Legion Post 979, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

4501 S. Airport Road, Bartonville

Business contact: Sue Armstrong (309) 346-4171 Ext.237

 

Tuesday Nov. 8

Daley College, Main Auditorium, 9 a.m.-2p.m.

7500 S. Pulaski, Chicago

Business contact: Sam Miller (773) 947-3663

Wednesday, Nov. 9

National Guard Armory, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

1616 S. Main St., Bloomington

Business contact: Randy Hegland (217) 782-0161

 

Southwestern Illinois College, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville

Business contact: John Otey (618) 242-6121 ext. 130

 

Roland Lewis Community Building, 9 a.m.-Noon

800 S. 27th St., Mt. Vernon

Business contact: John Otey (618) 242-6121 ext. 130

 

Thursday, Nov. 10

Orland Park Civic Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

14750 Ravinia Ave., Orland Park

Business contact: Reginald Whitley (708) 596-2345

 

Effingham National Guard Armory, 9 a.m.-Noon

1206 W. Temple Ave., Effingham

Business contact: John Otey (618) 242-6121 ext. 130


 

 

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14 Oct 2011

Passage of free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia

By Sen Chuck Grassley

Senator Chuck Grassley made the following comment about Senate passage tonight of free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia.

"Exports have an important part to play in the economic recovery effort.  Private sector employers need an international trade agenda that opens new doors to sell U.S. agricultural goods, manufactured products and services.  These votes in the Senate are a very important step in the right direction, but they were delayed unnecessarily for years, and the rest of the world is moving ahead without us.  We're more than capable of increasing exports, but we need the markets to do it.  The President has said he wants to double exports.  In order to reach his goal and to do everything possible to generate economic activity and opportunities in the United States, the administration needs to move forward on other job-generating trade initiatives without delay."
14 Oct 2011

US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

By Jeff Giertz

I wanted to give you a personal heads up that tomorrow, the US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will be voting on HR 2309, the Postal Reform Act of 2011.  This is the bill written by California Rep. Darryl Issa that would permit the US Postal Service to begin the process of shutting down hundreds of post offices across Iowa and the country.

As you know, the Postal Service has released a long list of small town post offices in Iowa that face the possibility of closure.  You can view that list at the following link: http://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/expandedaccess/states/iowa.htm

Rep. Bruce Braley is a member of the Oversight and Government Reform committee, and has actively opposed the closure of post offices in Iowa.  He will be attending the hearing tomorrow, and we will be releasing additional information on his efforts tomorrow as well.  However, I wanted to make sure you had details on this hearing, as it impacts post offices in almost every county in Iowa:

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

Hearing on HR 2309, the Postal Reform Act of 2011

9:30am EDT // 8:30am CDT

2154 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC

A video feed of the hearing will be streamed live at http://oversight.house.gov.
14 Oct 2011

Free Trade Agreements with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea

By Grassley Press

The topic of the day is jobs.  The question gets asked a lot: What policies can we implement to create jobs?  With more than 9 percent unemployment in this country, we should be talking about how to create jobs.

The truth is, for years we have known one clear and simple way to create jobs and stimulate growth in our economy.  It would create and support thousands of jobs, possibly even hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Of course I am talking about implementing the trade deals reached with Panama, South Korea, and Colombia that we entered into back in 2006 and 2007.  I have pushed for passage of these deals for nearly five years.

Yet, congressional Democrats and, later, President Obama, continued to put up barriers that prevented their consideration and passage.  There is no clearer and easier way of creating jobs in the near term than passing the implementing bills now before us and sending them to the President.

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 100,000 jobs will be created by the implementation of these trade deals.  There are estimates from other sources that suggest the number of jobs created may be even higher.

The Obama administration estimates the Korea trade deal alone will create 70,000 additional jobs for the U.S. work force.

Not only do these trade deals expand opportunities for U.S. workers, but they also present tremendous opportunities for American farmers.  It is estimated the Korean deal could increase the price farmers receive for their hogs by $10 per hog

The Colombian deal will level the playing field for U.S. corn farmers so they can begin to reclaim some of the market share they lost due to high tariffs.

The agreement with Panama will bring about better opportunities for a variety of agriculture products including beef, poultry, and pork, just to name a few.

I came down to the Senate floor today to express my support for these trade deals and urge passage.  We have been waiting a long time to get to this point, and I am eager to cast my vote in support of all three deals.

But as the finish line nears on these deals, the American people should be asking why President Obama has dragged his feet on these for so long.

The President has wasted time and tax dollars with stimulus programs, which did not produce any measureable amount of jobs.  The stimulus plan failed to do what President Obama promised Americans.  Now he wants to try it again with yet another costly stimulus program.

We don't need more government spending to create jobs; we know that doesn't work.  Rather, we should be doing what we know works.

We need to continue opening markets for U.S. exports.  I could go into the other ways to stimulate our economy such as providing businesses with more certainty by reining in unnecessary regulations, but I will save that for another time.

We need to pass these trade deals, and we need to do it now.  American workers need them now.  But let's not stop there.

The President can provide certainty to businesses, farmers, and workers in this way; he can renew his commitment to expanding trade opportunities.

In January 2010 the President said he wanted to double exports by 2015, which was welcome news.  But actions speak louder than words, Mr. President.  You have repeatedly delayed these trade deals, your administration has routinely dodged the question of when you will request trade promotion authority, and you have not laid out a clear strategic plan for in fact reaching the trade goal you expressed at the beginning of 2010.

We are now nearly two years further down the road.  While it may be tough to reach the goal of doubling exports by 2015, we can still push on toward that goal.  The more we do to open new markets and then get out of the way, the more it will help this struggling economy.

I have three steps to continue helping U.S. businesses, farmers, and most of all workers.  First, we pass these three trade deals now, with no more political gamesmanship by this administration.  Second, Congress passes trade promotion authority so the administration can responsibly seek out opportunities for greater market access for U.S. products.  And finally, the administration makes it a top priority to actually seek out more opportunities for opening foreign markets for U.S. products.

We live in a global economy.  We once led the way in forming trade agreements and expanding trade relationships.  But we have lost our way under the Obama administration.  We need to re-establish our position as the world leader in opening and expanding markets.  Passing these trade deals is a crucial, and long overdue, first step.

I urge my colleagues to help U.S. businesses, farmers, and workers by voting in support of the Panama, Colombia, and South Korea trade deals.

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14 Oct 2011

GRASSROOTS LEADERS OPPOSE DEFENSE BUDGET CUTS 55% OF TEA PARTY SUPPORTS DEFENSE SPENDING

By Travis Korson
Washington, DC October 11, 2011- At a panel discussion on October 5, 2011- "Providing for the Common Defense: The First Duty of the Super Committee" - four prominent grassroots and tea party leaders, several members of Congress, and defense policy experts joined the 'Coalition for the Common Defense' to launch a grassroots national public education campaign to prevent defense budget cuts against an already hollowed out military.
Congressional speakers included Rep. Randy Forbes (VA-4), Representative Trent Franks (AZ-2), Representative Paul Broun, MD (GA-10), and Representative Doug Lamborn (CO-5).
Grassroots and Tea Party leaders included Scott Cooper (Virginia Tea Party Federation), Joel Arends, Chairman and Founder, Veterans for a Strong America, and Jim Martin (chairman, 60 Plus Association with over 5 million supporters).
Crucial polling data on the Tea Party's support for a strong defense was presented by Colin Hanna, founder of Let Freedom Ring.  A large majority - 55% - of tea party supporters believe defense spending should be maintained at current levels, based on a nationwide poll of 1000 likely voters.  Only 34% of tea party supporters would cut the defense budget.
That polling data was reinforced by the Virginia Tea Party Federation's Scott Cooper, who stated that "We're going to have a cycle where we turn back and we make our common defense a priority. Providing for the common defense is the primary issue that is laid out in the preamble of the Constitution.  The Tea Party's support for the common defense is three fold: we're for constitutionally limited government. Then we're for financial/fiscal responsibility. And then we're for free markets."
Congressional speakers emphasized the threat to national security if greater cuts are made to the U.S. defense budget, which has already received $465 billion in cuts over the next ten years.
Representative Randy Forbes (VA-4) stated that "I would suggest to you for American to be great, we've got to have a strong economy and a strong military. We begin to unravel one and we begin to unravel the other. Now, is there anything that we can do? Do we just sit back and wring our hands? Well, let me just suggest to you there is something we can do. We will have a resolution. It's called Strong Defense, Strong America. All of the subcommittee chairmen for the Armed Services Committee have endorsed this resolution today. We will be moving it on the floor to try to get signatures on it and try to get it brought up before the Armed Services Committee.  It recounts how important defense is for the United States of America and if I could just paraphrase, it says, enough is enough. No more cuts to the military. We cannot balance this crisis on their backs. If you want to do something over the next few weeks, and we only have about a month, you can get as many people as you can to call as many people as they can and say sign on to this resolution so we can send a message to the super committee that we are going to make sure that America continues to have the strongest military in the world.
Representative Trent Franks (AZ-2) expressed concern about the Congressional Super Committee: "I'm convinced that if this so-called Super Committee fails and sequestration is triggered, it will mean undoing the greatest military force in the history of humanity. And potentially the beginning of our financial ruin as well, because the military creates all kinds of ripples in our economy and the high paying jobs that result. If there is any true stimulus that the government can make, it is to keep this country strong and to invest in the men and women who give everything they have for all of us. Not only do these cuts jeopardize our national security, of course they endanger our economy."
Representative Paul Broun (GA-10) noted: "We don't have enough Marines.  We don't have enough brigades in the Army. We don't have enough ships in the Navy. Or enough wings in the Air Force. We need to be building our military, not tearing it down. Our military is stretched to the limits. Families are being destroyed because of multiple deployments and our military is tired in the personnel, tired in the equipment. We need to be spending more on the military - which is the constitutional function of the federal government under the original intent."
Representative Doug Lamborn (CO-5) stated: "The Armed Services Committee expects at least twenty-five percent of the civilian workforce to be furloughed if this sequestration takes place. And according to Secretary Leon Panetta, at least a million jobs would be lost. He calls this a doomsday mechanism. So in closing, deeper cuts to our military would be so detrimental to our national security it's horrible to contemplate. There's no doubt that we can find efficiencies in a large budget like the Department of Defense has. And I am a fiscal conservative. But we don't want to cut capabilities. That's what I'm concerned about."
The full list of speakers for the program included (in order):
  • Frank J. Gaffney, Jr., President, Center for Security Policy, Moderator
  • Representative J. Randy Forbes (VA-4)
  • Representative Trent Franks (AZ-2)
  • Tom Donnelly, Director, Center for Defense Studies, American Enterprise Institute
  • Rear Admiral Jim Carey, Chairman, Flag & General Officers' Network
  • Colin Hanna, President, Let Freedom Ring
  • Cord Sterling, Aerospace Industries Association
  • Representative Paul Broun, MD (GA-10)
  • Representative Doug Lamborn (CO-5)
  • Elaine Donnelly, President, Center for Military Readiness
  • Joel Arends, Chairman and Founder, Veterans for a Strong America
  • Jim Martin, Chairman, 60 Plus Association
  • Scott Cooper, VA Tea Party Federation
Transcripts and videos of the event can be located at http://forthecommondefense.org/?page_id=301.
Yesterday's panel also served as the formal launch for the 'Coalition for the Common Defense.' The Coalition for the Common Defense announced its 'Statement of Principles,' already supported by a significant group of nationally reknowned signnatories who have joined the effort to ensure that our military retains the needed capabilities to meet its Constitutionally required duties.
The Coalition for the Common Defense is an alliance of like-minded individuals and organizations who believe that without provision for the "common defense," as articulated by the Founders, the freedom that has allowed unprecedented opportunity and prosperity to flourish in this country would soon be imperiled. In this new age of budgetary cuts, the Coalition rejects the false choice between military strength and economic health contending that economic prosperity depends on a strong national defense. Through a series of events and strategic partnerships, the coalition is calling on elected officials, candidates for office and others who share our commitment to the common defense to uphold these principles.  We must return the United States to sensible fiscal principles without sacrificing our national security.
A full statement of principles can be located here. The Coalition of the Common Defense can be found online at www.forthecommondefense.org.
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14 Oct 2011

Senate vote on President Obama's stimulus proposal

By Randy Stalsberg
Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Senator Chuck Grassley issued the following comment about his vote against President Obama's proposal to spend $447 billion for economic stimulus.

"Since the 2009 stimulus bill was enacted, it's unclear that anything's been done to better safeguard the taxpayer dollars that would be pumped out in a second massive government spending bill like this one, despite the wasteful spending we saw with the first stimulus bill.  My own oversight pinpointed money for housing assistance squandered by gross mismanagement, funds going to contractors and grantees who owed the government hundreds of millions of dollars in tax debts, stimulus dollars directed to school districts known for poor fiscal management, big spending for electronic records conversion in a health technology system not yet prepared to handle it, programs to create green jobs that didn't result in any jobs, and trouble even defining what qualified as a green job.  Weatherization grants funded by the first stimulus program even created safety hazards because monitoring, testing and tracking the work fell by the wayside.

"What's more, President Obama's first stimulus bill didn't keep the unemployment rate down, and it's unclear how this one would create and sustain jobs.  Beyond that, whatever the details of the tax increase, there's plenty of evidence that raising taxes in a struggling economy only makes things worse.  Plus, since World War II, every dollar in new taxes has resulted in $1.17 in government spending.  We need to reduce government spending, not increase it.  Growing deficits and debt get in the way of economic growth and opportunity.

"Instead of a proposal that emphasizes higher taxes and more government spending, it's time for a new approach in Washington for economic recovery.  Private-sector employers need more certainty.  They need to know that higher taxes and more burdensome regulations are not just around the corner.  They need an international trade agenda that opens up new opportunities to sell U.S. manufactured products and services.  Affordable energy is needed, too.  It's time to ramp up production of traditional energy sources here at home and to expand alternative and renewable energy sources.   Above all, Washington needs to do what it can to give employers confidence and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of big and small businesses nationwide."

-30-

11 Oct 2011

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Stresses Importance of the American Jobs Act for Iowans

By USDA Communications Office

DES MOINES, Iowa., Oct. 10, 2011 - Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined business and community leaders to discuss the Administration's strategy to strengthen the U.S. economy and to highlight what passage of the American Jobs Act will mean for Iowans.

 

"The American Jobs Act provides common-sense steps we can take right now to put more people back to work and put more money in the pockets of working Americans, without adding a dime to the deficit," said Vilsack. "In Iowa, this Act will provide a tax cut for over 60,000 businesses, support the jobs of 4,100 teachers and first responders and immediately provide over 5,000 construction workers a job improving highways and other critical infrastructure. Iowa families will receive a tax cut of around$1,580."

 

Secretary Vilsack also highlighted the need for quick passage of the pending trade agreements with Columbia, Panama, and South Korea. The agreements were sent to Congress this week and are awaiting approval.

 

"Full implementation of all three agreements will help farmers and ranchers add more than $2.3 billion a year to the American economy, which will support nearly 20,000 jobs, said Vilsack. "The Korean agreement alone will increase agricultural trade by $1.9 billion and have a greater economic impact that the last nine trade agreements combined."

 

Full details on the three trade agreements and comprehensive fact sheets on how the agreements will benefit Iowa are available at: http://www.fas.usda.gov/.

  • U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement Iowa Fact Sheet
  • U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Iowa Fact Sheet
  • U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Iowa Fact Sheet

The Obama Administration is calling on Congress to pass the American Jobs Act immediately. The Act has five components that will create jobs and strengthen Iowa's economy:

Tax Cuts to Help America's Small Businesses Hire and Grow

  • 60,000

Putting Workers Back on the Job While Rebuilding and Modernizing America

  • $385,900,000 in Iowa that could support a minimum of approximately 5,000
  • $287,200,000 in funds to Iowa to support up to 4,100
  • $132,600,000 in funding to support as many as 1,700
  • $56,700,000

 

Pathways Back to Work for Americans Looking for Jobs.

  • 34,000
  • Alongside these reforms, the President is reiterating his call to extend unemployment insurance, preventing 7,300
  • 800 adults and 2,300

 

Tax Relief for Every American Worker and Family

  • $51,000, will receive a tax cut of around $1,580.

 

#

11 Oct 2011

Governor Quinn Breaks Ground on University of Illinois Electrical and Computer Engineering Building

By Katelyn Tye

$95 Million Illinois Jobs Now! Project Will Create More Than 620 Jobs; Energy-Efficient Facility Will Help Develop New Technologies

URBANA - October 7, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today joined University of Illinois President Michael J. Hogan to break ground on the school's new Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Building. The $95 million facility will enhance educational opportunities, support research breakthroughs in computing, communications, nanotechnology and biotechnology, and set a new standard for energy-efficient buildings. The Illinois Jobs Now! project will create approximately 620 construction jobs, building what is projected to be the most energy-efficient engineering structure in the nation.

"The University of Illinois is home to some of the best and brightest minds in our state and we want to make sure they have the most cutting-edge technology available to them," Governor Quinn said. "Updated and energy-efficient higher education resources are vital to the success of our state's innovation and economic development."

The 232,000-square-foot building will include state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories and equipment. The facility will consolidate programs now spread across the campus, creating an environment for cross-disciplinary innovation and expanding the University's potential for breakthrough discoveries. The advanced energy features are projected to make the facility the most energy-efficient engineering building in the nation. The combined structure is projected to reach zero net energy consumption on an annual basis, and would become the largest such structure in the United States.

"Great minds working together can plant seeds of innovation that may never take root when those same people work alone," President Hogan said. "The ECE department has a rich legacy of achievement - from transistors and medical imaging to LED lighting, communications and computing - and this new facility is an investment that will pave the way for new generations of breakthrough technology."

Design work on the facility is complete, and bids will be opened October 12. Construction is expected to start in November, with completion expected by August 2014. The ECE Building will be built to achieve LEED Platinum certification, the highest designation for a structure's energy efficiency and environmental impact. In addition, a solar energy component is planned from separate funds.

The ECE Building construction will be overseen by the Illinois Capital Development Board, which administers all non-road, state-funded construction projects. The $95 million facility will be built with $47.5 million in state capital funds and $47.5 million in private funds from university donors.

Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! program includes $1.5 billion for higher education, including $788 million for public universities and $400 million for community colleges. The $31 billion program is expected to create more than 400,000 jobs over six years.

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