07 Mar 2012

AARP Urges Legislature to Professionalize Iowa's Largest Workforce: Direct Care

By Rick Martin

Des Moines, February 29, 2012–AARP called on the Iowa Legislature to professionalize Iowa's largest workforce - Direct Care Workers, asking the question, "Is Iowa Prepared to Care?" for our rapidly aging population during a news conference this morning at the Iowa Statehouse.

 

AARP Iowa State Director Kent Sovern urged Iowa's lawmakers to take action and pass Senate File 2298, a bill to boost professionalism among direct care workers by establishing core state standards for training and create career pathways for advance and specialization, and creates a Board to oversee these professional standards.  "AARP is pleased and proud to champion this effort to professionalize this workforce," said Sovern.

 

With an estimated 73,000 direct care workers in Iowa, these paid caregivers make up the largest segment of Iowa's workforce.  Moreover, demand for direct care services is high and growing.  Iowa will need an additional 12,000 direct care workers by 2012.  High turnover is a persistent challenge.

 

AARP Iowa State President Tony Vola addressed how this legislation will meet the needs and expectations of the more than 375,000 AARP members in Iowa for quality care.  "It is interesting to note that seven years ago, 8 out of 10 AARP Iowans surveyed said it is important for Iowa to certify direct care workers, and about a quarter of them said they think these workers are already licensed.  This bill provides a great platform for training; it provides an entry for people who want to get into the profession; it provides a great acknowledgement for those who are currently in the profession, and most important, it's just the right thing to do," said Vola.

 

AARP volunteer Ken Crouchman of Clive whose parents are live in assisted living facilities, said staff turnover is a real concern for his family and his parents' quality of care.  "I see the toll that this ever-changing parade of caregivers takes on my parents, and I feel the recommendations of Iowa's Direct Care Workers will help improve their situation.  I believe Senate File 2298 will go a long way to elevate the profession and better serve Iowa's long-term care needs.

 

Iowa's direct care workers have taken the lead in attempting to address the challenges of turnover and quality assurance by spending the past two years developing the recommendations proposed by Senate File 2298, a groundbreaking approach unlike any other state.

 

Iowa Caregivers Association Public Policy Consultant John Hale said, "Senate File 2298 puts us on the path to providing the quality of care and services that every Iowan wants for their loved ones and for themselves.  "It's a bill that creates a win-win-win-win: for providers of health and long term care services, for consumers who access those services, for workers who provide the service and for the taxpayers who pay a large portion of the bill.

Senate File 2298 is another example of where Iowa way out in front of the nation.  The work that's being done in Iowa to build a bigger and better direct care workforce, and to enhance the quality of care and services for Iowans, is work that leads the nation," Hale said.

 

Currently, Iowa has professional oversight boards and requires qualitative credentialing for all plumbers, hair stylists, massage therapists and a host of other occupations, but does not require a similar credentialing for all direct care workers.

 

"It's time to act to give Iowa's direct care workers the recognition and professional status they want and deserve, and to create the environment necessary for workers to meet the growing health care needs of our state," said Sovern.  "It is time for the Iowa Legislature to support the recommendations of the Direct Care Worker Task Force and professionalize Direct Care Workers by taking action to pass Senate File 2298."

 

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.1 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

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06 Mar 2012

Grassley asks Panetta for high-level intervention against wasteful spending

By Grassley Press

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

 

Grassley seeks top-level review and action against defense spending waste

 

WASHINGTON -- Senator Chuck Grassley today presented Defense Secretary Leon Panetta 16 audit reports that uncovered egregious waste and misconduct at the Department of Defense and called for accountability and the recovery of wasted money.

 

With $500 billion in controversial defense budget cuts proposed by the Obama administration, Grassley said the waste identified in the reports is the perfect place for the Pentagon to begin its belt-tightening campaign.

 

"If I had two words to characterize what I found in those 16 reports, they would be 'scandalous' and 'disgraceful,'" Grassley said in a letter he gave directly to Panetta during a hearing on Tuesday of the Senate Budget Committee.

 

Grassley urged the Secretary to prevent the findings and recommendations in the reports from being buried in the Pentagon bureaucracy.

 

The Budget Committee hearing focused on the President's defense budget request for the next fiscal year.  Eight of the audit reports highlighted by Grassley pertain to contract-related issues.  The other eight zero in on wasteful stimulus-bill funded projects.

 

"The officials who are responsible for what happened must be held accountable and improper payments need to be recovered," he said.  "Until there are meaningful consequences and real penalties for such gross waste and misconduct, the culture of the organizations involved will never change.  Unabated waste of the taxpayers' money will continue."

 

Grassley noted that the reports themselves cost $100 million a year to produce for the Secretary of Defense and Congress, so if the reports are ignored, the Secretary and members of Congress become party to the waste exposed.

 

The detailed letter from Grassley to Panetta can be seen here.

 

The reports identified in Grassley's letter concerning contracts involve purchases made through the Department of Energy, spare parts pricing practices; Defense Finance and Accounting Services procedures; body armor effectiveness; the Afghan National Police Training Program; and fuel contracts in Korea.

 

The eight stimulus-funded projects described in Grassley's letter involve a solar lighting project a the Naval Station in Norfolk, Virginia; a wind turbine project at Fort Wainwright; Air Force projects on energy efficiency; photovoltaic projects at Navy and Marine Corps bases; a geothermal energy development project at the Naval Air Station in Falon, Nebraska; and a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning project at Naval Support Activity in Norfolk, Virginia.

 

-30-
28 Feb 2012

Jobs and Much More Through Entrepreneurship

By Elisha Smith

By John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

America should empower entrepreneurs to create jobs in rural communities. Congress needs to invest in the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program to provide much needed lending capital and technical assistance to small, rural business start-ups. Likewise, Congress should enact the Rural Microbusiness Investment Credit Act to generate investment in both start-up and expanding rural small businesses by providing a 35% federal tax credit to rural entrepreneurs who invest in their own small businesses.

These proven strategies create rural jobs. And history proves that entrepreneurs can lead us out of recession, as they did last time when microenterprise employment grew by 9% nationally while big firms were shedding jobs.

But rural entrepreneurs have even more to offer. Brandon Raby, the Center for Rural Affairs 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year, learned from 20 years of skateboarding that a skate shop is a crucial element of skate culture, so he opened Caravan Skate Shop in North Platte, Nebraska.

Brandon also plays an active role in a local youth organization named "Skate and Create," which secured $30,000 from the city to help design and construct a skate park. Caravan Skate Shop is also a place where youth can discuss skating, watch skate videos, and hang out. Brandon enjoys serving as mentor and providing skaters a place to be without negative consequences.

We celebrate entrepreneurs because of their contributions to our rural communities - jobs, revenue, economic opportunities and much more. As a nation, we should invest in entrepreneurs for the same reason.

27 Feb 2012

Success During a Downturn: Thanks to Teamwork, Construction Company Thrives During Industry Slump

By Mark McLaughlin
IA/IL QUAD CITIES - Bush Construction Company, Inc., has made huge strides since the firm was founded in 2008, going from zero to $18 million in revenue in its first full year of business. According to A.J. Loss, President of Bush Construction, the company has been awarded more than $60 million in projects to date. What makes the company's growth so exceptional is the fact that it took place during a nationwide recession with an accompanying construction industry slump.
The company has succeeded in its endeavors through a collaborative approach to business, Loss stated. "Through collaborative relationships with our clients, designers and subcontractors, we have established an unconventional approach to the world of commercial building construction," he said. "This high degree of collaboration is only possible in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect."
The company believes strongly in the power of teamwork, Loss noted."By embracing a collaborative environment with our project teams," he said, "we have been able to deliver some very complex projects on time, under budget and with happy clients."
Providing a high level of customer service is always a top priority at Bush Construction, Loss added. "From inception to completion, each project receives the time, skills, and attention needed for success," he said. "Clients often comment on our team's willingness to go above and beyond expectations representing their best interests."
Bush Construction is a general contractor, design-builder, and professional construction manager. Their team members have worked on a wide range of industrial, educational, government and commercial projects in the Quad-Cities and throughout the Midwest.
Teamwork on Behalf of the Community
Bush Construction maintained its early growth while handling a number of philanthropic projects, spending considerable time and resources in the community. Recently, Bush Construction was honored during the 23rd annual Hard Hat awards presentation. Bush received the Collette Hinrichsen Award for Philanthropy for their contributions to the Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation (RIEGC).
Bush Construction worked with RIEGC on the Jackson Square project, a brownfield area in downtown Rock Island, Illinois, that was turned into an attractive 30-unit apartment complex. Bush Construction acted as Construction Manager on the project. RIEGC, the owner of the property, attained the necessary funding for the project.
The Hard Hat awards recognize investment in the community and were presented by RIEGC, Renaissance Rock Island, The Development Association of Rock Island, and The District of Rock Island.
"The Illinois Oil Products warehouse used to operate on the property," said Ryan Schertz, Bush Construction Superintendent in charge of the project, who was the on-site manager for all activities on the site. "The work took about 15 months. The land had environmental issues. It was a brownfield site with multiple tanks and lots of oil everywhere. There were tanks within the building as well as underground. We had chemical infiltration throughout the site that needed to be remediated."
According to Rob Davis, Bush Construction Project Manager for the Jackson Square project, the environmental concerns were the No. 1 challenge. EnviroNET, Inc., was the environmental contractor. "Remedial action was carried out while construction was taking place, so both endeavors had to be coordinated for greatest efficiency," Davis said. "When the project was done, we received a clean bill of health for the land. The EPA confirmed that no further action was required."
"The community is ecstatic about the way Jackson Square turned out," Schertz said. "It was quite a transformation."
The success of the Bush Construction team relied strongly on the combined talents of its members, Schertz added. "The staff is highly experienced," he said. "The team really makes a difference. What we can handle is pretty limitless for us."
The Best People for the Best Results
According to Loss, Bush Construction is committed to finding and retaining the best staff members. "We give careful consideration to every resume we receive," he said. "It takes the best people to bring about the best results."
The teamwork manifesto at Bush Construction also extends to its clientele and subcontractors, Loss noted. "Building a strong customer relationship takes daily diligence, planning, care and ongoing communication," he said. "We listen to what our clients have to say, since we are helping to build the future success of their businesses. We treat our subcontractors as team members as well by working with them in an ethical manner. Our unwavering position against bid-shopping and our commitment to ensuring timely payments to our subcontractors has reinforced these important relationships and, in turn, provided a unique market advantage. Teamwork is the key to success in construction - and really, in any industry."
Teamwork Turns an Urban Brownfield into a Green Success

Bush Construction Company, Inc., recently received the Collette Hinrichsen Award for Philanthropy for their contributions to the Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation (RIEGC). RIEGC was the developer of the Jackson Square project in downtown Rock Island, Illinois. Bush Construction acted as the Construction Manager on the project and EnviroNET, Inc., served as the environmental contractor.
Bush Construction was instrumental in turning an urban brownfield area into an attractive 30-unit apartment complex. The site used to house the Illinois Oil Products warehouse and much work needed to be done before the property could be used as a residential area.
"EnviroNET, Inc., provided the remedial action plan, collected soil samples, did the modeling, and determined how the contaminated soil might migrate," said Rob Davis, Project Manager for Bush Construction. "Rainwater can drive contaminants deeper into the ground. The pollutants travel below the grade and along the bedrock, and can be forced into more porous materials along the way."
Thorough documentation of the contamination was needed. Based on the models provided by EnviroNET, plans for the ecological renewal of the property were approved by the federal and state Environmental Protection Agency.
"The contractor hauled off the contaminated soil, and work performed by Bush was scheduled around that contractor," Davis said. "This closely coordinated teamwork allowed the project to proceed at a steady, efficient pace."
The brownfield included underground tanks, Davis noted, so the contractor pumped the tanks dry, rendering them harmless, and then filled them with a flowable grout material. The site also included cisterns, and for those, they removed the walls to below ground level. They packed the cisterns with sand and left them in place.
"Architecturally speaking, the designs for the project were based on the existing buildings," Davis said. "We did not want to lose the historical significance of the area. So, storage tanks were used decoratively as planters to keep the architectural heritage intact. We wanted to keep the flavor of the past and make Jackson Square a historical point of interest."
Davis added that Jackson Square represents a major step forward for Rock Island's downtown community. "You would never guess that this attractive residential area with green spaces used to be a brownfield," he said. "The entire Bush team is proud to be a part of this project."
27 Feb 2012

Midland Communications Reports Strong Increase in Technology Investment for 2012

By Janet Dufour
Leading Unified Communications Provider Helps Customers Position for Growth

DAVENPORT, IA - February 23, 2012 - Midland Communications, an industry leader in unified communications, announced today that the outlook for technology purchases by small to mid-sized (SMB) companies in 2012 is exceptionally positive. This outlook was confirmed by Technology Assurance Group (TAG), an international association of unified communications providers representing approximately $350 million in products and services. As a premier Member of TAG, Midland Communications is positioned as the dominant force in their marketplace and is able to better prepare and protect its customers for whatever the future holds.
Many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are starting off the New Year by deploying advanced technology in order to secure a competitive advantage early on. Today's SMB needs to be more agile, efficient and better equipped to handle the challenges that 2012 will bring and many business owners are creating a gap between themselves and their competitors by implementing the technology offered by Midland Communications's. "Every sector is experiencing different growth rates, but when we step back and look at the big picture, it becomes clear that overall demand is up, and businesses need to have the tools necessary to gain a foothold in their industry," stated Dale Stein, Co-Founder of TAG.
Midland Communications's unique relationship with TAG, enables them to adopt cutting edge best business practices, deliver innovative programs, and partner with elite technology manufacturers and application service providers. Over the years, Midland Communications has leveraged this relationship to consistently deliver benefits to their customers that are simply unavailable to other technology providers. For example, Midland Communications is able to leverage the buying power of approximately 130 technology providers to receive deep discounts from manufacturers, and provide a lower cost to the customer. The bottom line of this partnership is that Midland Communications is better positioned to enhance employee productivity and increase profitability than any other technology provider in the market.
"We continue to be impressed with Midland Communications's stern commitment to their customers. At the end of the day, business owners are concerned with the bottom line and new technology is pointless if it doesn't increase your overall profitability," commented Stein. "Midland Communications has always focused on this fact and it shapes their recommendations and suggestions when working with their clients. As a result of this approach, their customers continue to thank them and I see a very bright future for Midland Communications," added Stein.
With growth opportunities on the horizon in 2012 many businesses are looking for ways to prepare for the large influx of sales they expect to see. This change will be driven by macroeconomic factors, but will be sustained by a business's ability to keep up with demand. Many businesses are investing heavily in technology and enlisting the help of elite technology providers like Midland Communications to make sure that whenever that wave of sales arrives, they're ready to ride it all the way to the bank.

ABOUT MIDLAND COMMUNICATIONS

.Midland Communications began more than 60 years ago in 1946 as the Worldwide Marketing Arm of Victor-Animagraph Projectors. In 1977 a communications division was formed due to a partnership with NEC America. Today, As a distributor of NEC America, for 33 years, Midland Communications has a customer base of more than 3,000 satisfied customers that include general businesses, government agencies, Universities, colleges, hospitals, and hotels.
Midland provides a wide range of communication services including VOIP, PBX and key systems, Wide Area and Local Area networking, computers, Computer integration, voice mail, CCIS, and video conferencing and paging systems. Our philosophy is simple, provide quality products at a fair price, backed by an average emergency response time of twenty minutes, and the best service in the industry. For more information on Midland Communications, call (563) 326-1237 or visit www.midlandcom.com.


ABOUT TECHNOLOGY ASSURANCE GROUP (TAG)

Technology Assurance Group, LLC (TAG) is an international organization of leading independently owned business communications companies. TAG provides its members with the competitive advantages necessary to achieve a dominant position in their marketplace. Members benefit from programs including strategic partnerships with communication solution providers, best business and management practices, and advanced sales training programs.  TAG's mission is to increase its Members' sales and profits through education and to ease their introduction of new technology to the marketplace by leveraging their combined intellect and purchasing power. For more information on TAG, please call 858-673-5800 or visit www.tagnational.com.


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27 Feb 2012

Braley Announces Waterloo and Cedar Rapids Postal Facilities to Remain Open

By Jeff Giertz

Mail processing facilities are no longer considered for closure; Hundreds of jobs saved

Washington, DC - Today, after multiple conversations with the United States Postal Service (USPS), Representative Bruce Braley (IA-01) confirmed that both the Waterloo and Cedar Rapids mail processing facilities are no longer being considered for closure.  Braley has been fighting to save these facilities for months.

"Rain, snow and sleet don't stop our postal workers, and I'm proud to say that Washington bureaucrats won't either," Braley said. "After months of fighting to keep these Iowa facilities open, I'm glad to see that the US Postal Service has finally gotten the message that now is the wrong time to lay off hundreds of workers. We still have a lot of work to do to save more post offices around the state, but this is good news today for Iowa workers."

The USPS confirmed with Braley's office earlier this morning that the mail processing facilities in Waterloo and Cedar Rapids will remain open.  Braley is a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which has legislative authority over the USPS.

In September 2011, Rep. Braley sent a letter to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe urging him not to close these facilities.  A copy of the letter is copied below and a link is available here:  http://go.usa.gov/U4t

 

--

 

September 15, 2011

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe

475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW

Room 10022

Washington, DC 20260-0010

 

Postmaster General Donahoe:

I'm writing regarding the recent announcement by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that you are considering closing the Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Carroll and Creston facilities.  I'm extremely disappointed by this announcement, given that this could lead to jobs lost in these communities.

I would like answers to the following questions:

Has the USPS determined how many jobs will be lost as a result of closing the Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Carroll and Creston facilities?

If so, please provide me with that analysis, with breakdowns for each individual facility.

In addition, I would like to know how many of the employees who will lose their jobs are part time and how many are full time.

If you do not have an analysis, why not, and when does the USPS intend to determine this?

Has the USPS determined what the net job loss will be in Iowa, if these closures move forward?

If so, what has the USPS determined?

If you do not have this analysis, why not, and when does the USPS intend to determine this?

I urge you to delay any closures until full analyses of job losses are complete, Iowans are given an opportunity to provide public comment, and only if you can justify why layoffs are acceptable during these tough economic times.  I'm strongly opposed to any plan that puts Iowans out of work.

Please reply to my request within 10 business days.  Feel free to contact me if I can provide further assistance.

Sincerely,

Bruce L. Braley

 

# # #
27 Feb 2012

Business Tax Reform

By Grassley Press
Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Senator Chuck Grassley made the following comment about the tax reform proposal put forward today by the Obama Administration.

"The President's proposal for business tax reform is disappointing for its lack of substantive leadership, especially considering the importance of tax reform and tax certainty in getting America back to work and keeping America competitive in the global economy.  The President's proposal is overly vague with the exception of demagogic political proposals, like those related to aircraft and oil and gas depreciation rules.  Instead of a campaign document, and one that isn't a credible plan of action, American workers need and deserve leadership from the White House for a tax code that will encourage economic growth and job creation."

27 Feb 2012

Governor Quinn Delivers Budget Address

By Andrew Mason

Reduces Discretionary Spending to Below 2008 Levels;
Cuts FY2013 Agency Spending by $425M

SPRINGFIELD - February 22, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today delivered his fiscal year 2013 budget address to the Illinois General Assembly, a plan for budget stability through major reductions and efficiencies, pension and Medicaid stabilization, fundamental tax reform and jobs and economic growth. The Governor proposed a budget that takes necessary steps to restore fiscal stability to Illinois, ensure job growth and a strong education for children across the state.

"The truth is that over the past 35 years, too many governors and members of the General Assembly have clung to budget fantasies rather than confronting hard realities, especially when it comes to our pension and Medicaid investments," Governor Quinn said. "Today I am proposing a budget that includes serious spending reductions and major reforms in order to restore fiscal stability to our state and build and grow our economy."

The Governor's budget has reduced discretionary spending to below 2008 levels. Agency spending has been cut by more than $425M since Fiscal Year 2012. Governor Quinn's introduced budget is based upon Budgeting for Results. The new budgeting process ensures that the proposed budget is based on existing revenues, funding policy priorities that are most important to helping move Illinois forward and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

Spending Reductions and Efficiencies

 

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has significantly reduced discretionary spending, achieving more reductions than any Governor in recent memory. In 2008, general funds were $25.7 billion. The Governor's introduced budget of $24.8 billion is a 3.6 percent decrease, bringing general funds below 2008 levels. The Governor is calling for most agency budgets to be reduced by at least 9 percent. The Governor cut his own budget by 9 percent and asked all constitutional officers to do the same.

Under Governor Quinn, the state has already realized close to $200 million in annual savings by reducing the number of state employees by more than 2,200 since January of 2009. Today, the Governor announced plans to further reduce state employee headcount by more than 700.

The state has consolidated and eliminated lease space, primarily in the Chicago area, saving more than $43 million with more savings expected during fiscal year 2013. At Governor Quinn's direction, a number of state agencies will reduce or consolidate facilities. During the coming year, 59 state facilities, offices, garages and other governmental buildings will close 

Pension and Medicaid Stabilization

The state's pension and Medicaid systems are the greatest financial pressure on Illinois' budget, and limit the ability to provide core services that people throughout the state depend upon.

For decades, the necessary payments were not made to the pension system, and increased benefits were promised without sufficient revenue to pay for those benefits. As a result, Illinois' pension system is now under-funded by $83 billion. For the past three years, Governor Quinn has paid exactly what the law required into the pension system.

To address Illinois' unfunded liability, Governor Quinn has convened a working group to deliver a proposal by April 17 to repair the state's pension systems. At the Governor's direction, everything is on the table including historical funding practices, employer contributions, employee contributions, the retirement age and the cost of living adjustment.

The Governor and his administration have also developed a roadmap for Medicaid restructuring. Today, the Governor pledged that his administration will work with the General Assembly to find a combination of liability reductions, modernized eligibility standards, utilization controls, rate reduction and reform, acceleration of integrated managed care, and coordination of long-term care programs to manage Medicaid spending.

Last year's Medicaid appropriation fell nearly $2 billion short, which means that at the end of this fiscal year, the state will owe $1.9 billion in unpaid Medicaid bills. The combination of Medicaid bills deferred to future years, the expiration of federal stimulus, enrollment growth resulting from the recession and Illinois' fee-for-service system has led to unsustainable growth in Medicaid spending. The Governor has therefore proposed cutting $2.7 billion in order to ensure that the state's Medicaid program can be returned to sustainability and continue delivering essential medical services for those that need them.

 

Rebalancing

Governor Quinn also reaffirmed his commitment to rebalancing the way Illinois cares for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness to improve their quality of life. The FY 13 budget includes funding to ensure smooth transitions and coordinated care as individuals move from costly institutions to supportive community settings.

The Governor today announced plans to close two additional centers, Murray Developmental Center and Singer Mental Health Center, over the course of the next fiscal year. Through this rebalancing process, the administration will comply with all consent decrees, provide individualized care and ultimately achieve savings for the state.

 

Tax Reform

For far too long, the Illinois Revenue Code has included many loopholes that are based on politics - not economics. Today, Governor Quinn directed a thorough search of the Illinois Revenue Code for unnecessary loopholes that do not efficiently support jobs and economic growth.

The Governor has instructed Revenue Director, Brian Hamer to meet with legislative leaders of both houses and parties to identify and close unfair loopholes. Loophole revenue can be used to pay down the state's backlog of bills and provide targeted tax relief for hard-working families and businesses.

 

Investing in Education

In today's budget address, Governor Quinn reiterated his commitment to education, jobs and economic growth. To move Illinois forward, we must ensure that we are providing all Illinois students with a high-quality education and preparing our workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

The Governor's budget maintains funding for K-12 and higher education. In addition, the state will increase early childhood funding by $20 million. The Monetary Award Program (MAP), which provides college scholarships for needy students, will also see a funding increase of more than $50 million during fiscal year 2013 to help deserving students achieve higher degrees.

For more information and copies of Governor Quinn's operating and capital budget proposals for fiscal year 2013, please visit www.Budget.Illinois.gov.

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27 Feb 2012

Lt. Governor Simon FY13 Budget Statement

By Kara Beach

SPRINGFIELD - February 22, 2012. Following the Governor's budget address, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon recognized state agencies that voluntarily made cuts to help balance the fiscal year 2013 budget and encouraged state residents to participate in public hearings that will be held on proposed facility closures.

 

"A responsible budget must be based on real revenue. With pension and Medicaid costs eating up more of our tax dollars, we must reduce spending. As Lt. Governor, I worked hard to cut 9 percent of our budget, and applaud the other agencies who scoured their operations to do the same. As a Southern Illinois resident, I am disappointed that the state is proposing facility closures in areas that already suffer from high unemployment. I encourage the people whose livelihoods will be affected to join me in the budget process and speak up as we review the economic impact of such closures."

 

Simon's fiscal year 2013 appropriation request is more than 9 percent lower than her budget request from fiscal year 2012 and includes a reduction in full-time staff, from 24 to 21 members. The appropriation request is the lowest in at least 16 years and will net taxpayers a savings of nearly $200,000. In FY12, Simon is the only constitutional officer to return the equivalent of 12 days pay to the General Revenue Fund. Her senior staff voluntarily is taking four unpaid furlough days in FY12, as well.

 

As the Governor's point person on education reform and a member of the Budgeting for Results Commission, Simon recently announced a community college reform package that will use existing state resources to increase college completion rates. As chair of the Classrooms First Commission, Simon is developing recommendations that will make elementary and high school districts more efficient.

 

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24 Feb 2012

U.S.-Korea trade agreement effective date

By Sen. Chuck Grassley

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment on the announcement from the United States Trade Representative that the trade agreement between the United States and South Korea will go into effect on March 15.  Grassley and others have long-awaited the trade agreement for its significant benefits to U.S. farmers, businesses, and services providers.  Congress approved the trade agreement's implementing legislation in October 2011 after long delays in President Obama's submission of the legislation to Congress.  Upon approval of the implementing legislation, the President was authorized "to exchange notes with Korea providing for the entry into force at such time as the President determines that Korea has taken measures necessary to comply with provisions of the agreement that are to take effect on the date of the entry into force," according to the trade representative's office.  Grassley is a senior member of the Finance Committee, with jurisdiction over international trade, and former chairman and ranking member of the committee.

 

Grassley comment:

 

"This is good news.  U.S. workers deserve the boost from this new market access.  They'll rise to the challenge with quality goods and services.  The implementation of this trade agreement was a long time in coming.  It's ironic that the same Administration that was slow to present the implementing legislation gave the agreement such a fast turn-around from legislative approval to the effective date.  I hope the speed of implementation doesn't cause problems.  Anything that's not spelled out now could be the source of trade disputes later."

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