Since the economic collapse in 2008, American households haven't been alone in feeling the pain of budget cuts. Cities and counties have been working with shrinking budgets, often leading to layoffs and reductions in services.

But since many services communities provide are vital - from education to paramedics and firefighters to law enforcement - community leaders across the country are getting creative and innovative.

"Throughout the United States, slimmer budgets are resulting in two outcomes: 1) killing jobs and services, and 2) coming up with ways to sustain programs and even improve them with brilliant ideas," says Dion Nugent, a volunteer firefighter and CEO for a software development company that works closely with paramedics, emergency medical technicians and fire fighters throughout the country.

"I prefer the latter. One blessing of troubled times is that they inspire inventive responses, which can revolutionize an industry. We're seeing that every day at the local government level."

Nugent cites several examples leadership devising ways to do more with less:

• Consolidation and multi-purposing in Texas' Grapevine-Colleyville school district. The district's superintendant never thought he'd have to focus on creative financing, but that has been necessary to keep his schools running. Parking lots formerly used only during Friday night football games are now rented out on weekdays to a company in need of overflow parking. The district's printing press is being put to extra use churning out city documents -- for which the schools are paid, and school buses are selling ad space on their sides. All these efforts are chipping away at a $5 million budget deficit.

• Using technology to streamline first-response data on Captiva Island, Fla. Captiva Fire Department first-responders used to spend hours on paper work and sometimes risked misspelling critical information such as patient medication. The department has bought time, and greater efficiency, with new software from Forté Holdings, Inc. Called iPCR, (www.ipcrems.com), it takes electronic patient-care reporting to new levels of portability and affordability. The software utilizes iPads, which are much lighter and significantly less expensive than the Toughbooks laptops many stations now use. The innovation has allowed the department to not only maximize its first-responders' time, it has improved response times.

• The Civic Protection Institute - a nationwide effort. Several studies find that what reduces crime most effectively is to have law enforcement visible in the public. However, there are a number of functions police officers have served that do not directly affect crime. The Civic Protection Institute (www.civicprotectioninstitute.org) is a private, not-for-profit organization that enlists capable citizens to shoulder many of these extracurricular services, including "a pool of competent private sector agencies, vetted and certified to high quality standards, for public sector services," according to the website.

About Dion Nugent

Dion Nugent is a volunteer firefighter and CEO of Forté Holdings, a leading provider of health-care software solutions in the United States. For 30 years, the company has combined technological expertise with input from medical workers to develop software that supports and improves patient care and administrative processes within the health-care industry. The company's flagship products - iPCR (patient-care reporting) and the Forte8000 line of billing and EHR - address the needs of specific medical workers, from first responders to private practitioners. iPCR is designed for the iPad and is Gold-certified by the National Emergency Medical Services Information System.

PORT BYRON, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, invites community members to share their concerns about state and local issues at his upcoming Port Byron Town Hall Meeting to be held on Monday, August 5 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the River Valley District Library located at 214 S. Main Street in Port Byron.

"Knowing that there are many pressing issues that continue to weigh on our state and impact daily life in our district, it's crucial that I continue an ongoing discussion with local residents about their views and priorities," said Smiddy. "I encourage anyone who has questions or concerns or would simply like to listen to a legislative update to join me at this town hall meeting, because I need to hear from you to be a true voice for your needs."

Illinois' 71st District includes all of Albany, Cleveland, Coal Valley, Colona, Como, Cordova, Deer Grove, Erie, Fulton, Hampton, Hillsdale, Lyndon, Morrison, Port Byron, Prophetstown, Rapids City, Rock Falls, Savanna, Sterling, Tampico, and Thomson and portions of Carbon Cliff, East Moline, Moline and Silvis.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, contact Smiddy's full-time constituent service office at (309) 848-9098, RepSmiddy@gmail.com, or toll-free at (855) 243-4988.

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Passing a farm bill is just one of the many issues that have not been addressed. Time and again, Congress has taken a pass on actually getting something done. For example, Congressional leadership has refused to come to the table to find a way to replace the thoughtless, across the board cuts known as sequestration. They also have yet to pass a budget this year.

I'm calling on Congress to stay in Washington and work to find a solution to these and other issues.

Please take a look at the latest "From Dave's Desk" video.

All the best,

Dave Loebsack

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

Bill No.: SB 50

An Act Concerning: Wildlife

Allows Veterans to obtain a Hunter Education card upon completion of the online portion of the Hunter Education Program.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

Bill No.: SB 1170

An Act Concerning: Wildlife

Makes illegal the in-state possession of wildlife illegally harvested outside of the state or country.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 1287

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Prohibits a person who has committed a felony involving harm or threat to a minor from being appointed guardian of a person who is disabled or their estate.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

Bill No.: SB 1303

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Broadens the definition of "student intern" to include graduate students under the Nursing Home Care Act.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate