17 Jan 2011

Rock Island County launches new website

By Shelly Chapman

Rock Island County is pleases to announce that our newly designed website has launched!  Visitors will find a new look, site navigation, department menus, search, and an email alert registration at www.rockislandcounty.org.

After months of updating, the user friendly menus are in place.  These menus provide a great deal of information to our citizens.  Questions regarding the website design should be directed to our GIS Director, Josh Boudi at 558-3760, or Sue Adams at 558-3761.

17 Jan 2011

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action

By William Palmisano

SPRINGFIELD - Thursday, January 13, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

Bill No.: SB 2505

Provides revenue needed to stabilize the state's budget and sets unprecedented limits on state spending.

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately

Friday, January 14, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

Bill No.: SB 3514

Authorizes financing for the state's pension funds.

An Act Concerning: Finance

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately  

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11 Jan 2011

Grassley works to determine how local housing authority spent tax dollars to settle lawsuits

By Nicholas Depew
WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley has asked 20 law firms in Philadelphia for information about their billing of the Philadelphia Public Housing Authority as part of a larger review of how the housing authority has misused federal tax dollars.  Grassley said he is going directly to the firms for information about the amount billed and the kind of work performed because the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which awards federal funds to local housing authorities, has told him it doesn't maintain records about such legal payments and, in the case of the Philadelphia Public Housing Authority, news organizations have reported how the housing authority structured settlements in at least four sexual harassment cases and one case where the failure to inspect a building before demolition resulted in the death of a resident.

"The local housing authority reportedly has a record of trying to cover its tracks where it's spent tax dollars either inappropriately or in a way that would embarrass its leadership.  And, the federal agency that provides most of the money that local housing authorities have to spend has continued to provide tax dollars even after it's clear that there's not responsible stewardship of those dollars," Grassley said.  "Both situations are an affront to taxpayers, and taxpayers deserve an accounting of what's gone on so that it can be stopped."

Grassley's review of abusive spending of federal housing dollars was prompted by the dramatic increase in federal funds going to local housing authorities, even those with histories of mismanagement, by way of the federal government's economic  stimulus program.

A copy of the letter Grassley sent today is available by clicking here.  The same letter went to the following Philadelphia law firms:  Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP; Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP; Cozen O'Connor; Duane Morris LLP; Fox Rothschild; Buchanon, Ingersol & Rooney PC; Blank Rome LLP ; Eckert, Seamans, Cherin & Mellot, LLC; Bowman Kavulich; Archer & Greiner; Margolis Edelstein; Reed Smith LLP; Haines & Associates; Kolber & Freiman; Flaster/Greenberg; Cohen & Grigsby; Greenberg Traurig, LLP; Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin; Kelly, Monaco & Naples; and Smyler & Gentile.  Previous letters from Grassley regarding the expenditures of the Philadelphia Housing Authority are available by clicking here.

Last week, the Philadelphia Daily News reported that in September 2009, the then-executive director of the Philadelphia Housing Authority had spent $15,920 on expensive bags from Nordstrom for himself and 19 other executives of the housing authority.

-30-

11 Jan 2011

Iowa State Trooper Funding & Staffing Levels

By Robert Haus

Ensuring Iowa's Safety: A Plan to Rebuild the Ranks of the Iowa State Patrol

I have been fortunate to be a member of the Iowa State Patrol for over twenty years.  I work alongside dedicated and professional public servants, my fellow Iowa State Troopers. My colleagues have honored me by electing me the President of the Iowa State Troopers Association, a volunteer position I undertake in addition to my official duties.

In the capacity as ISTA President, I speak with many of my public safety colleagues around the state.  There is a growing awareness that recent state budget cuts have been so severe that the safety of Iowans is on the verge of being critically compromised.

Today, there are 371 troopers in the Patrol - a forty-five year low. A lot has changed on Iowa's roadways in those 45 years. There are more cars, more trucks, and a more sophisticated, organized contraband trafficking network on our highways.

Our Troopers today are some of the most technologically proficient law officers in the field. Working in concert with the Department of Public Safety, the Patrol utilizes systems that stretch the reach and effectiveness of each and every Trooper. There is, however, a limit to our effectiveness at today's Trooper strength levels. The number of Troopers has dwindled to a dangerously low level, and action is needed in the 2011 legislative session.

It is not uncommon these days for one Trooper to be responsible for covering a three to four county area.  The coverage area increases during evening shifts or when there is a special event requiring State Patrol resources. During the most recent winter storm, troopers handled nearly 2,543 emergency calls and investigated 64 personal injury and property-related accidents in a two-day period.  Given existing Trooper levels, the State Patrol was stretched to respond in a timely manner to everyone needing help in poor winter conditions.

The Iowa State Troopers Association hopes to work with Governor-elect Branstad and legislative leaders on a specific two-pronged strategy to ensure Iowan's safety on the road:

  • Working to secure funding for 45 Troopers that were paid for by one-time federal stimulus dollars in the last State fiscal year. Given the present strength levels, it is absolutely imperative we keep these 45 Troopers on the road.

  • Starting a planned, and reasonable, program to rebuild Trooper strength to 455, a level we last saw in the 2000 budget year. This can be accomplished by adding 20 new Troopers per year for the next four years. Taking into account retirements and separations, Director of Public Safety Meyers has indicated the number may need to be closer to 30-35 per year for a period of 8 years.

    • While there are no easy answers for Iowa's budget challenges, we have been encouraged by comments from Governor-elect Branstad and other elected officials about the priority of public safety. As the 2011 legislative session begins in earnest, we look forward to working together to determine the best options to fund these shared priorities.

    Working together, we can ensure that Iowa's roadways are the safest in the nation. That has been, and will continue to be, the most important mission of your Iowa State Troopers.

    11 Jan 2011

    Pilot Club of Moline Seeking Community Input for 2011-2012 Contributions

    By Carol Triebel

    The Pilot Club of Moline is seeking input from organizations and agencies located in the Illinois Quad Cities relating to community needs for promotng the awareness and prevention of brain-related disorders, and improving the lives of those affected by such disorders through education, volunteerism, financial support and research.

    The Pilot Club of Moline is a chapter of Pilot Club International - a global organization of executive, business, and professional leaders working together to improve the quality of life in local communities and throughout the world.

    Each July, the members select a project or agency to support through its fund-raising activities.  Additionally, a matching grant from the Pilot International Foundation, if awarded, can provide up to $2,500 making a possible donation of up to $5,000.

    If your agency or organization is interested in being considered for a donation by the Pilot Club of Moline, please send a written proposal to the Pilot Club of Moline, P. O. Box 1171, Moline, IL 61265 prior to March 1, 2011.

    If you have questions, please contact Carol Triebel at 309-764-0198.

    11 Jan 2011

    Grassley To Begin Annual 99 County Tour

    By Sen Chuck Grassley

    January 7, 2011

    WASHINGTON - In his continued commitment to keep in touch with Iowans, Senator Chuck Grassley will begin his annual meetings with his constituents in each of the state's 99 counties.  Grassley has held a constituent meeting in all 99 Iowa counties since he was first elected to the United States Senate.  He will speak at service clubs, tour manufacturing facilities and other businesses and speak with employees, and meet with junior and senior high school students. 

    Grassley's schedule will take him to Grinnell, Traer, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Coralville, Independence, Waterloo, Waverly, Parkersburg, Reinbeck, Nevada, Webster City, Iowa Falls, Jefferson, Madrid, Greenfield, Guthrie Center, Perry, Winterset, Pleasant Hill, Lynnville, Knoxville, Osceola, Afton and New Virginia.

    "These face-to-face meetings give me a chance to answer questions, and get information, feedback and comments from a wide cross-section of Iowans.  Whether it's on the factory floor, at a local school or in a service club, each Iowan I speak with provides invaluable input for my work on their behalf.  I take those common sense solutions I hear in Iowa to Washington," Grassley said

    Details of the events are below:

     

    Wednesday, January 12, 2011

    9:30 - 11:30 p.m.        Tour and meet with employees at Jeld-Wen, Door Systems Division, 820 Industrial Avenue, Grinnell

    1:15 - 2:15 p.m.          Speak with students and staff at North Tama High School, 605 Walnut Street, Traer

     

    Thursday, January 13, 2011

    8 - 9 a.m.                    Speak with students and staff at Isaac Newton Christian Academy, 1635 Linmar Drive NE, Cedar Rapids

    10 - 11 a.m.                Meet with employees at ITC Midwest Holdings, 123 Fifth Street SE, Cedar Rapids

    1:30 - 3 p.m.               Speak with students and staff at Iowa City West High School, Little Theatre, 2901 Melrose Avenue, Iowa City

    4 - 5 p.m.                    Tour and meet with employees at Vangent, 2450 Oakdale Boulevard, Coralville

     

    Monday, January 17, 2011

    10 - 11 a.m.                Speak with students and staff at Independence High School, 514 Fifth Ave. S.E., Independence

    Noon - 1 p.m.             Speak with the Waterloo Rotary Club,  Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, 205 West Fourth Street, Waterloo

    2:30 - 3:30 p.m.          Meet with Bremer County residents, Bremer County Town Meeting, Waverly Public Library, 1500 West Bremer Avenue, Waverly

    4:45 - 5:45 p.m.          Meet with Butler County residents, Butler County Town Meeting, Parkersburg Civic Center, 502 Third Street, Parkersburg

    6:45 - 7:45 p.m.          Speak with the Reinbeck Lions Club, Reinbeck Memorial Building, 208 Broad Street, Reinbeck

     

    Tuesday, January 18, 2011

    6:20 - 7:30 a.m.          Speak with the Nevada Kiwanis, Gates Memorial Hall, 825 15th Street, Nevada

    9 - 10 a.m.                  Speak with the Webster City Diamond K Kiwanis Club, Windsor Manor, 4101 Wall Street, Webster City

    12:10 - 1:10 p.m.        Speak with the Iowa Falls Lions Club, Camp David Restaurant, 119 Main Street, Iowa Falls

    3:30 - 4:30 p.m.          Meet with Greene County residents, Greene County Town Meeting, Greene County Community Center, 204 West Harrison Street, Jefferson

    6:30 - 7:30 p.m.          Speak with the Madrid Lions Club, Madrid Homes Communities, Main Campus Dining Room, 613 West North Street, Madrid

     

    Wednesday, January 19, 2011

    8 - 9 a.m.                    Meet with Adair County residents, Adair County Town Meeting, Andrews Memorial Adair County Health & Fitness Center, Meeting Room, 202 North Townline Road, Greenfield

    10 - 11 a.m.                Speak with students and staff at Guthrie Center High School, 900 School Street, Guthrie Center

    12:10 - 1:15 p.m.        Speak with the Perry Rotary Club, Hotel Pattee, 1112 Willis Avenue, Perry

    2:45 - 3:45 p.m.          Meet with Madison County residents, Madison County Town Meeting, Winterset Public Library, Meeting Room, 123 North Second Street, Winterset

    5:15 - 6:16 p.m.          Speak with the East Polk Chamber, Southeast Polk High School, Auditorium, 7945 NE University Avenue, Pleasant Hill

     

    Thursday, January 20, 2011

    9 - 10:30 a.m.             Tour and meet with employees at Co-Line Welding, 1041 Cordova Avenue, Lynnville

    Noon - 1 p.m.             Speak with the Knoxville Noon Kiwanis Club, Swamp Fox, Lower Level, 116 North 2nd Street, Knoxville

    2:30 - 3:30 p.m.          Meet with Clarke County residents, Clarke County Town Meeting, Clarke County Courthouse, Old Probation Room, 100 South Main Street, Osceola

    4:30 - 5:30 p.m.          Meet with Union County residents, Union County Town Meeting, Afton City Hall, 115 East Kansas Street, Afton

    7 - 8 p.m.                    Speak with the New Virginia Lions Club, Lions Hall, 503 West Street, New Virginia

     

    -30-

    11 Jan 2011

    Work for Iowans Continues in 112th Congress

    By Sen Chuck Grassley

    by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

    Friday, January 7, 2011

    The 112th Congress convened in January, with newly elected and reelected lawmakers taking the oath of office to "support and defend the Constitution."  It was an honor to reaffirm my allegiance to the U.S. Constitution and pledge to faithfully uphold my duties as a U.S. senator for Iowa for another term.

    In a new congress, committee compositions change to reflect the new ratio of the majority to minority members of the U.S. Senate.  Each party sets its own rules to determine committee assignments.  Over the years, I've worked to secure key committee assignments.  Building seniority from these various posts provides a platform to work for a more accountable government and to make Iowans' voices heard on issues that hit close to home, especially those that impact working families, students, veterans, small business owners, family farmers and retirees.

    In addition to the legislative and oversight responsibilities, the U.S. Senate also has the Constitutional authority of "advice and consent" and must approve nominations and treaties submitted by the President.  To gain a more thorough understanding of the issues -- from taxes, to transportation, national security, energy, agriculture, education, health care, banking, immigration and trade -- the Senate divides its work into 20 standing committees, 68 subcommittees and four joint committees which review and research policy proposals, convene hearings to field input from policy experts on pending bills, conduct fact-finding investigations and fine-tune legislation for consideration by the full Senate.

    More than 3,000 bills are introduced each Congress and referred to the respective committee of jurisdiction for scrutiny.  The committee system allows lawmakers to develop expertise and specialize in specific issues.

    In the last decade, I used my leadership position (alternating between Chairman and Ranking Member) on the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee to advance the landmark 2001/2003 tax relief laws that lowered the federal tax rates on wages and investment.  Before the lame-duck session of Congress adjourned in December, I successfully pushed to extend these tax breaks for another two years.  Separately in that legislation, I won extension through 2011 of provisions for ethanol and biodiesel that are so important to domestically produced renewable energy and national security.

    In other examples, I've used my assignment on the Senate Budget Committee to tighten the federal purse strings and urge big spenders to end the cycle of deficit spending.  Both on and off the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, as one of only two working family farmers in the Senate, I've championed the interests of the nation's producers to earn a good living and provide for the nation's food and energy security.

    I will continue to serve as a senior member of the Finance Committee, but because of Republican Caucus term limits on committee leadership positions, I'm moving from the position of Ranking Member of the Finance Committee to Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee.  Since taking my first oath of office in the Senate, I've been able to serve on the influential Judiciary Committee.  It's where I launched my crusade to empower whistleblowers to expose fraud against the taxpayers.  My 1986 amendments to the False Claims Act (a Civil-War era law) have helped the U.S. government recover more than $25 billion that otherwise would be lost to fraud.  The U.S. Justice Department also credits my updates to the False Claims Act with deterring untold billions more that otherwise would have been lost to fraud.  Most recently, I strengthened additional whistleblower tools that were included in the Fraud Enforcement Recovery Act of 2009 to help plug legal loopholes used in court to escape accountability.  I'm keeping the heat on the federal bureaucracy to fight fraud with criminal prosecutions right now, too, asking both the Justice Department and the Department of Health and Human Services to account for stagnant prosecution numbers despite increased federal spending to target health care fraud.

    I also intend to continue scrutinizing concentration in the agricultural industry.  It seems to get continually more difficult for the independent producer to capture a fair share of the food dollar due to consolidation.

    I also will continue to work to reduce the cost of pharmaceutical drugs with pro-consumer legislation to make generic options available as quickly as possible.  And, the Ranking Member position on the Senate Judiciary Committee is responsible for rigorous review of lifetime appointments to the federal bench, including the Supreme Court of the United States.

    As Congress gets down to the people's business in the New Year, I encourage Iowans to keep in touch.  21st century technology gives democracy even more opportunities to keep our two lanes of communication well traveled, from e-mail to interactive webcasts.  I also hope to see many of you face-to-face in 2011 during my constituent meetings.

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    11 Jan 2011

    SCOTT COUNTY KIDS ANNOUNCES $250,000 CHILD CARE SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE

    By Ann McGlynn

    Programs help defray costs for qualified families with young children

    Davenport, Iowa - Scott County Kids, a public-private partnership that helps families raise happy and healthy children, announces an initiative to award more than $250,000 in child care scholarships for Scott County families who are working, attending school or looking for work.

    The first program, funded by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, has approximately $230,000 available to assist with the care of children from birth to 24 months. The second, funded by the state of Iowa, has $22,000 in scholarships for second/third shift and weekend care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

    "The money must be used by June 30," said Marcy Mendenhall, executive director of Scott County Kids. "Right now, just six families are taking advantage of the programs."

    "These scholarships help parents to secure quality, loving child-care for their young children while they work, go to school, or in some cases, look for a job," Mendenhall said. "They can most certainly play a vital role in helping families during these difficult financial times."

    Birth to 24 months scholarships

    The federal stimulus money is for children whose parents are: working at least 28 hours a week; in school or training full-time; in a combination of work and school for at least 28 hours a week; or unemployed within the last six months and actively seeking employment.

    The amount of the award, paid directly to the care providers, depends on income. Families are required to pay for some of the care. Detailed information about the grant levels can be found at bit.ly/gJqf0v.

    To qualify, the child must be between birth and 24 months old, a U.S. citizen and living with parents or individuals acting in a parental role. A family's income must be within certain guidelines (see below). The child care providers must meet certain standards and be on contract with Scott County Kids.

    Home-based and center providers in Scott County who are approved to accept children with this grant are: Children's Village Hoover; Children's Village West; Creative Beginnings; Barb DeWispelaere; Hand in Hand; Debra Haskins; Kiddie Karrasel; Kindercare, Bettendorf; Daphne Ramirez; Scott County Family Y - Downtown & Palmer; Shining Light Learning Center; Skip-A-Long.

    The home-based providers must have an Iowa Quality Rating of 3, 4 or 5 or accredited by the National Association for Family Child Care. Child care centers must also have an Iowa ranking of a 3, 4 or 5 and be recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

    Scott County Kids is one of 24 organizations in Iowa participating in the effort, called the Infant and Toddler Quality Child Care Program. Clinton, Jackson, Louisa, Des Moines, Johnson and Iowa counties in Eastern Iowa are also taking part.

    Statewide, nearly $2.4 million was available as of November 2009. Scott County received $251,772.

    "One challenge, Mendenhall said, "is that many of the providers who qualify and are under contract have waiting lists for infants and toddlers." She hopes more providers will step forward to qualify.

    "We want families to be able to use this stimulus money," Mendenhall said.

    Second/third shift and weekend scholarships

    Scott County Kids also has approximately $22,000 in scholarships available to help pay for second/third shift and weekend care, while parents work and/or go to school.

    The scholarships are $300-$400 a month for full-time care, and $150-$200 a month for part-time care for children ages birth through enrollment in kindergarten. To qualify, parents cannot be eligible for any other child care assistance; must work and/or attend school for at least 28 hours a week; and live in Scott County.

    The challenge is getting the money into the hands of families who can use it. This fiscal year, just $3,000 of the $25,000 has been awarded.

    The family-chosen child care providers must be either a home registered with the Iowa Department of Human Resources or a center licensed with the agency. The providers must also supply proof of insurance and complete the requirements of a child care compliance audit.

    "The vision of Scott County Kids is that every child, beginning at birth, will be healthy and successful," said Jennifer Kakert, parent and president of the Scott County Kids board. "One component of this includes ensuring access to quality child care. One barrier for many parents is the cost of quality child care. The scholarships are provided on a sliding income scale to help defray some of that cost. This helps ensure that working parents can secure quality care for their children."

    To find out more about the grants and scholarships from Scott County Kids, to get an application, or to qualify as a child care provider, contact Renee Rankin at the Friendly House, (563)323-1821, ext. 11 or at reneerankin@friendlyhouseiowa.org.

    06 Jan 2011

    SCOTT COUNTY KIDS TO ANNOUNCE CHILD CARE SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE

    By Ann McGlynn

    Scott County Kids, a public-private partnership that helps families raise happy and healthy children, will be announcing an initiative to award approximately $250,000 in child care scholarships for Scott County families who are working, attending school or looking for work.

    This federal money targets two groups: those with children ages birth to 24 months and those who need care in the late afternoons/evenings, at night or on weekends for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The majority of the money comes from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Income guidelines do apply.

    06 Jan 2011

    Major Gift Announced to Fight QC Hunger

    By Linda Martin

    The Moline Foundation, and the Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation Announce $30,000 Gift to River Bend Foodbank To Assist in Fight Against Local Hunger

    A news conference held this morning, Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at the River Bend Foodbank, 309 12th Street, Moline, Illinois announced a major funding gift of $30,0000 from a local community foundation, the Moline Foundation and a statewide foundation, the Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation, Oak Brook, Illinois.

    The gift is the result of a challenge grant campaign held in the Quad Cities the last few weeks and conducted by the Moline Foundation. Donors in the Quad Cities contributed $15,000 in just four days to benefit the River Bend Foodbank and its hunger relief programs, including the Backpack Feeding Program. The Backpack Program strives to ensure that children don't go hungry over the weekend when are no school meals for them to rely upon. The program serves approximately 1,200 children in the Quad Cities. Every Friday, during the school year, children participating in the Backpack Program receive free, nutritious food distributed at their school which they can then take home in their backpacks and easily prepare at home.

    "This is an especially critical time in our community as food supplies are low during the cold winter. We are grateful to our donors and the opportunity to receive such a large matching grant to give to River Bend Foodbank," said Jon Tunberg, Chairman of The Moline Foundation.

    The Moline Foundation and other community foundations in Illinois were challenged to raise funds in Springfield, Champaign, Chicago, St. Charles, Peoria, and East St. Louis. Over 1.5 million people in Illinois now live in poverty. Of this number, approximately 500,000 are children. This statewide funding initiative will be used to provide nutritious meals for Illinois children through after school programs, weekend back pack feeding programs, and mobile distribution programs.

    River Bend Foodbank is the largest hunger relief organization in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities, distributing 6.3 million pounds of food annually to more than 300 charitable feeding programs throughout a 22 county service area in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. More than 10,000 people receive food assistance each week through River Bend's distribution network. The Foodbank also operates four Kids Café sites serving over 45,000 free meals to children each year, the Backpack Program which provides over 1300 Quad City children with nourishing food to take home on the weekends during the school year and the Mobile Food Pantry which directly feeds thousands of families.

    As a Community Foundation, The Moline Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause such as education or the environment, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs or recommend individual grants. The Moline Foundation, founded in 1953, is a Community Foundation which provides funding to health, human services, education, community, workforce and economic development, the arts and other charitable organizations which benefit the citizens of Scott County, Iowa and Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Warren, McDonough and Henderson counties in western Illinois. The Moline Foundation receives and administers charitable gifts; has a current endowment of approximately $15 million; and handles additional funds to benefit donor wishes. The Moline Foundation also serves as a catalyst and convener to bring about solutions to problems affecting quality of life in our region.

    Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation is the only statewide private foundation focused on improving the health of all children in the State of Illinois. It was created in December 2002 through an action between the State of Illinois Attorney General's office and a private insurance carrier. This action established the Foundation which was funded with an investment of approximately $125 million.



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