23 Jan 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Help Stop Meth Production

By Andrew Mason

New Law Will Continue Program to Track Pseudoephedrine Purchases

CHICAGO - January 19, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will help law enforcement officials stop meth production. Senate Bill 73 makes permanent a pilot program initially created to electronically track pseudoephedrine purchases that could be used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

"This program is a valuable tool that helps us prevent meth from getting into our communities by stopping production," said Governor Quinn. "Tracking the sales of items commonly used to manufacture meth has enabled us to nip production in the bud, and it is important to continue this program."

The Methamphetamine Precursor Tracking Act took effect in 2009 and required pharmacies to track purchases of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine online through the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx). Under SB 73, initiated by Attorney General Lisa Madigan and sponsored by Sen. William Haine (D-Alton) and Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Sparta), the tracking program becomes permanent. Pharmacies will also block purchases of more than 7.5 grams of pseudoephedrine made within 30 days and purchases of 3.6 grams of pseudoephedrine made in a 24-hour time span.

"Unfortunately, meth production is starting to increase again across the state," Attorney General Madigan said.  "We have found that the PSE tracking system is the best tool law enforcement has to identify criminals who illegally buy cold pills for cooking meth."

Since its implementation, the program has effectively blocked more than 103,319 boxes - or 230,330 grams - of pseudoephedrine from being used for methamphetamine production in communities throughout Illinois. Additionally NPLEx has assisted the Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Teams locate and seize 155 methamphetamine laboratories and make 231 methamphetamine arrests.

"The Illinois State Police have dedicated dozens of trained officers to investigate meth-related crimes and clandestine drug lab sites, which has resulted in the reduction of meth labs seized," said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. "We are confident that the new statute will continue to help law enforcement track and monitor illegal PSE-based products in Illinois, detect criminal activity and prevent meth labs from forming."

"The production of meth is a serious concern around the state, particularly in our rural communities," said Sen. Haine. "I would like to thank Governor Quinn for signing this law to continue tracking PSE products that can be used to manufacture meth."


"We must do everything we can to keep dangerous drugs like meth out of our communities," Rep. Costello said. "This new law gives us an edge on shutting down meth labs by helping us find the individuals who are making frequent purchases of meth-making products."

The legislation passed the Illinois General Assembly unanimously and goes into effect immediately.

 

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23 Jan 2012

Police Officer Testing

By John Thorson
Police Officer testing for the City of Rock Island is open and accepting applications on line. Applicants must have completed a City of Rock Island Police Officer Application by the required deadline to be eligible to take the agility test. Applications must be completed online at www.rigov.org in order to be considered. Applications will be accepted through February 24, 2012 at 5pm. Any questions, please call 309-732-2058.

The physical agility test will be March 3, 2012 at the Pepsico Recreation Center, 1025 - 30th Street, Rock Island, Illinois between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. A valid driver's license must be presented the day of the agility test. The written test is scheduled for March 3, 2012 at 1pm - location will be announced upon successfully completing the physical agility test. Applicants must have completed a Police Officer application by required deadline to be eligible to take the agility test. A valid driver's license must be presented at the agility test and written test.
19 Jan 2012

Land Contract Guarantee Program Launched Nationwide

By Elisha Smith

Center for Rural Affairs Offers Farm Bill Help Line to Assist Producers


Lyons, NE - The Farm Service Agency recently announced that the Land Contract Guarantee Program is now available nationwide.
The Land Contract Guarantee Program provides federal loan guarantees to retiring farmers and landowners who self-finance the sale of their land to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

"With land values continuing to escalate, beginning farmers and ranchers face ever greater challenges in gaining access to land," said Traci Bruckner, Assistant Director of Rural Policy at the Center for Rural Affairs. "The program is designed to encourage private land contract sales by providing a degree of protection to the retiring farmer whose retirement savings is often in the land and farm.  This protection may be the incentive some need to take that step and self-finance the sale of their land to a beginning farmer and rancher."

In order to be eligible for this program, a farmer needs to self-finance the sale of their land, and sell to either a beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer.

The buyer of the farm or ranch must be a beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher;  not be larger than a family farm (in which most of the management and labor is provided by family members); have an acceptable credit history demonstrated by satisfactory debt repayment; be the owner or operator of the farm or ranch when the contract is complete; and be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere without a guarantee to finance actual needs at reasonable rates or terms.

Under this program, the seller of the farmland has two guarantee options:

  • A "prompt payment" guarantee that covers three amortized annual installments or an amount equaling three amortized annual installments; or
  • A standard asset guarantee that covers an amount equal to 90 percent of the outstanding principle of the loan provided that the seller obtains a servicing agent.

For either option, the loan guarantee stays in effect for 10 years.  The purchase price or appraisal value of the farm or ranch that is the subject of the contract sale cannot be greater than $500,000.  The buyer of the farm and ranch must contribute at least 5 percent as the down payment for the land.

Farmers and ranchers interested in this program should contact their local Farm Service Agency office.

Bruckner also encourages farmers, ranchers and others to call the Center for Rural Affairs' Farm Bill Helpline with questions about the application process as well as other farm and conservation program options that beginning and established farmers and ranchers can access.  Producers can call (402) 687-2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline or send an email to tracib@cfra.org.

Retiring land owners looking to find the right beginning farmer or rancher to sell or transfer their land to can also register for the Land Link Program.

The Center's Land Link program matches beginning farmers looking for land with established landowners, increasing opportunities for new farmers while promoting good stewardship. The process includes retirement planning, new farmer financing, farm business, and environmental assessment in order to ease transitions of family operations from the retiring generation to the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

Parties specifically interested in participating in Land Link should call Virginia Wolking with the Center for Rural Affairs at (402) 687-2103 ext. 1017.
19 Jan 2012

Governor Quinn Announces Nearly $19 Million in Federal Funding for Local Infrastructure Projects

By Nafia Khan

Community Development Assistance Grants Will Support Needed Improvements in 59 Small, Rural Communities Statewide

SPRINGFIELD - January 18, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced nearly $19 million in federal funding to address the infrastructure needs of 59 small and rural communities throughout Illinois. Awarded through the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP), the funding will be used to make improvements to water and sewer lines, including replacing water mains, upgrading storm water systems and repairing sewer lines.

"This funding will help make much needed infrastructure improvements in many of our smaller communities that were hit hardest by the economic downturn," Governor Quinn said. "These infrastructure projects will help revitalize the local economy and create jobs."

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers Illinois' CDAP program, which is known nationally as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and provides federal funding for a variety of community-based projects. Communities with populations of 50,000 or less can apply for CDAP grant funding to support a variety of projects.

"Through the state's CDAP program, we are building up the infrastructure of our smaller and rural communities," said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Warren Ribley. "These improvements will help provide safe drinking water and reliable water supply and sanitation systems while creating construction jobs to support the needed infrastructure upgrades and improvements, and will set the stage for future economic development."

On behalf of Governor Quinn, DCEO Director Warren Ribley visited Herrin yesterday to announce the city's $350,000 grant that will be used to replace water mains in the community. The nearly $19 million in competitive public infrastructure grants will be distributed to 59 small and rural communities throughout the state.

Illinois' CDAP program supports communities with populations of 50,000 and fewer that are not located within a US Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-designated "entitlement community," or one of the eight designated "entitlement" urban counties. The complete list of Illinois communities receiving 2011 CDAP-Public Infrastructure funding is attached.

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16 Jan 2012

Statement on Passing of Tom Getz

By Jonathan Wallace
Rock Island, IL --- "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tom Getz. Tom was a role model to many, a philanthropist, and a tireless supporter of the QC area. Tom was a driving force behind my own candidacy and youth in local politics. But his impact is much larger than a mere political campaign.

 

"We will have to work hard to fill the void he leaves in our community. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends in this difficult time." - Jonathan Wallace, candidate for State Representative, 72nd District.

13 Jan 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action

By William Palmisano
**Friday, January 13, 2012**
CHICAGO - January 13, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:
Bill No.: HB 358
An Act Concerning: Government
Exempts regional transit board employees from the revolving door provision. Allows employees of regional transit boards to accept positions with the federal, state or local government and school districts.
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately
Bill No.: HB 442
An Act Concerning: State Government
Allows the Illinois Finance Authority to forgive current financial agreements and consider them as assets to leverage against private capital to help providers and human services to the state of Illinois.
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately
Bill No.: HB 508
An Act Concerning: Revenue
Allows county boards, with the treasurer's recommendation, to waive interest fees for unpaid taxes
on contaminated property to provide an incentive for redevelopment.
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately
Bill No.: HB 606
An Act Concerning: Education
Allows school consolidation of Leepertown CCSD 175 into the Ladd CUSD, pending approval by Regional Board of Trustees.
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately
Bill No.: HB 909
An Act Concerning: Criminal Law
States that a person convicted of fraudulently obtaining public money reserved for disadvantaged businesses will lose profits attained from the crime and profits will be handed over to the state of Illinois.
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately
Bill No.: HB 1368
An Act Concerning: State Government
Requires the Illinois Power Agency to submit two additional reports regarding renewable energy procurement, both due by April 1 of every year, starting in 2012.
Action: Signed
Effective Date:  Immediately
Bill No.: HB 1589
An Act Concerning: Civil Law
Requires that if a court temporarily modifies a custody or visitation order in matters of divorce during a parent's deployment, the court will accommodate visitation by telephone, audiovisual or other electronic means.
Action: Signed
Effective Date: June 1
Bill No.: HB 1958
An Act Concerning: Corrections
Prohibits use of restraints on pregnant prisoners or prisoners recovering from post-partum depression at Cook County Jail, unless the prisoner is a flight risk or poses another serious security threat.
Action: Signed
Effective Date:  June 1
Bill No.: HB 3462
An Act Concerning: Insurance
Provides health insurance coverage under the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) for eligible, uninsured persons under 19 years of age.
Action: Signed
Effective Date: Immediately
Bill No.: HB 3788
An Act Concerning: Health Facilities
Alters the definition of a "long term acute care hospital" to one that that begins operations after January 1, 2009 (instead of 2010), and is designated by Medicare as a long term acute care hospital.
Action: Signed
Effective Date:  Immediately
Bill No.: HB 3840
An Act Concerning: Revenue
Requires the Department of Revenue to accept credit card payments for certain fees if the department is not required to pay a credit card fee for transactions.
Action: Signed
Effective Date:  Immediately
Bill No.: SB 274
An Act Concerning: State Government
Allows more financial flexibility for students attending the Illinois School for the Deaf and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired to comply with federal law.
Action: Signed
Effective Date:  Immediately
Bill No.: SB 348
An Act Concerning: Finance
Allows the Department of Human Services to be reimbursed for its administrative support to other units of government.
Action: Signed
Effective Date:  June 1
Bill No.: SB 1259
An Act Concerning: Civil Law
Requires a bank to respond within 90 days to a written request from a client for a short sale on a foreclosure.
Action: Signed
Effective Date:  Immediately
Bill No.: SB 1377
An Act Concerning: Health Facilities
Amends the Hospital Services Act and states that long term acute care hospitals (LTACH) are not required to provide hospital emergency services, and shall be classified as not available.
Action: Signed
Effective Date:  Immediately
Bill No.: SB 1538
An Act Concerning: State Government
Clarifies eligibility guidelines for those enrolling into group insurance coverage.
Action: Signed
Effective Date:  Immediately
Bill No.: SB 1609
An Act Concerning: State Government
Changes the date of the Governor's budget address from February 15, 2012 to February 22, 2012.
Action: Signed
Effective Date:  Immediately
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13 Jan 2012

PUBLIC SCHEDULE: Braley Observes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

By Jeff Giertz

Waterloo, IA - On Sunday and Monday, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at events in Waterloo and Cedar Rapids.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

5:00pm                 Waterloo Martin Luther King, Jr. Dinner

Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center

Waterloo, Iowa

 

Monday, January 16, 2012

 

11:30am               Cedar Rapids United Way Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Banquet

Class Act Restaurant

7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

 

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13 Jan 2012

Governor Quinn Urges Illinoisans to Participate in Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

By Nafia Khan

"Serve Illinois" Website Offers More than 100,000 Volunteer Opportunities

CHICAGO- January 14, 2011  Governor Pat Quinn today joined the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Serve Illinois Commission in encouraging Illinoisans to take part in the Dr/ Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service this Monday, January 16. The theme of the service day is "A Day On, Not a Day Off."

"Dr. King's life was dedicated to service, and, in his memory, we should each strive to give back to our communities," Governor Quinn said. "We all have something to contribute and share to make our neighborhoods, state and country a better place."

Persons interested in giving back to their community can use the Serve.Illinois.gov website to be connected with more than 70,000 volunteer opportunities throughout Illinois. Volunteers can use the Serve Illinois website to connect with opportunities based on location and area of interest. The search feature also generates results for ongoing, one-time, and even web-based volunteer opportunities.

"Volunteerism is a great way to honor Dr. King, his legacy and his vision," said DHS Secretary Michelle R. B. Saddler. "I am proud and grateful to our community volunteers in our local DHS offices throughout the state."

Along with listing thousands of volunteer opportunities, Serve Illinois also has several partner organizations that will be completing service projects, including:

  • Carbondale - Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps, Rend Lake College - AmeriCorps members will be participating in a city wide clean-up in Carbondale.
  • Chicago - Project YES! - AmeriCorps members will be supporting the fifth annual literacy fair for youth and their families. Festivities include book reading, hands-on literacy activities and games.
  • Springfield - Springfield Urban League - AmeriCorps members will be partnering with Illinois Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross to distribute preparedness information to educate the community about fire safety and prevention.

Visit Serve.Illinois.gov to find a volunteer opportunity, as well as information regarding the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Serve.Illinois.gov is a project of IDHS and the Serve Illinois Commission: "Building Stronger Communities Through Service."

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13 Jan 2012

Branstad, Reynolds to continue Condition of the State tour

By Jimmy Centers
(DES MOINES) -  Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced the second leg of their tour across Iowa to share the administration's Condition of the State message with Iowans in their local communities. The tour is set to visit Bettendorf and Mason City next week.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Noon Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds deliver Condition of the State address to Bettendorf Rotary Club at the Fortune Garden Restaurant, 2211 Kimberly Road, Bettendorf, IA

Thursday, January 19, 2012
11 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds deliver Condition of the State address at Kaplan University, 2570 4th St SW, Mason City, IA
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10 Jan 2012

STATE OF THE JUDICIARY MESSAGE — JANUARY 11

By Rick Martin

Des Moines, January 10, 2012– On Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at 10 a.m. in the House Chambers, Chief Justice Mark Cady of the Iowa Supreme Court will address a joint convention of the General Assembly on the State of the Judiciary. The chief justice will discuss the important role courts have in securing a prosperous economic climate in Iowa by providing businesses with the necessary confidence to invest or expand in a community. He will also discuss the role of courts in providing a stable and safe environment for the people who work and live in this state. The chief justice will apprise the legislators on the impact of a decade of budget cuts on the court's ability to provide access to justice for all Iowans. He will announce that the judicial branch stands ready to work with the legislative and executive branches on the goal of achieving a vibrant Iowa economy.

Live video of the speech will be streamed on the Iowa Judicial Branch website at www.iowacourts.gov beginning at 10 a.m.

Members of the media may obtain advance copies of the speech at 8:30 a.m. in the supreme court courtroom at the Capitol. The message will be posted on the Iowa Judicial Branch website www.iowacourts.gov at 10:30 a.m.

 

 

 

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