03 May 2010

Harkin Aide to Hold Meetings with Scott County Residents

By Sen. Tom Harkin
Residents invited to attend meeting and share their concerns

DES MOINES- Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that his aide, Alison Hart, will host a "listening post" for local residents in Scott County, May 13, 2010. Iowans are invited to come and learn about how Harkin's new Chairmanship of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will benefit the state. 

Harkin staff members will hold the listening posts at area community colleges, private colleges and universities and community school districts to supplement the regular office hours at Harkin's five regional offices in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, and Sioux City.  These meetings ensure all Iowans have easy access to constituent services and information from the Harkin office.

"In order to better serve Iowa in the Senate, my office must hear firsthand from Iowans about how current laws impact them and their families," said Harkin. "This mobile office tour expands the reach of my state offices to connect us with residents and bringing information and assistance to the people of Iowa."

Each meeting will focus on the priorities for the Committee in the coming months, including efforts to strengthen K-12 education policy as well as higher education.  Last month, Harkin traveled across Iowa with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to hear from local education leaders, parents, students, business and community leaders on their ideas for a revised Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). 


Scott County Tour Details - May 13, 2010

7:30 am       
JB Young Intermediate School
1709 Harrison Street
3rd Floor Conference Room
Davenport, IA

9:00 am       
St. Ambrose
518 West Locust Street
Ambrose Room
Davenport, IA

10:30 am       
Scott Community College
500 Belmond Road
Student Life Center
Davenport, IA

19 Apr 2010

Governor Quinn Highlights Illinois' Efforts to Improve Government Accountability

By Rick Martin

State Ranks Third in Nation for Transparency of Spending

CHICAGO - April 17, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today highlighted Illinois' efforts to improve transparency. The U.S. Public Interest  Research Group (PIRG) this week gave Illinois a "B" and ranked it third in the nation for improved transparency of government spending.

"In a democracy, the people must have a voice in their government, and their government must be held accountable," said Governor Quinn. "U.S. PIRG's report shows that we have made great strides in improving transparency, but our work is not done and we will continue to expand on our efforts."

On Tuesday, PIRG released "FOLLOWING THE MONEY: How the 50 States Rate in Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data." The report examined all 50 states and found that 32 provide detailed online databases of government expenditures. Seven states, including Illinois, were seen as national leaders for having easy-to-use, searchable Web sites that contain a wide range of spending information.

Illinois was recognized for its Corporate Accountability site, ILCorpacct.com, which is maintained by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The site tracks grants given to companies for job creation and provides yearly progress on the numbers of jobs actually created. The site will have received approximately 1 million hits since its creation.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that the public's money is being used in the best possible manner, to further the state's job creation and economic development goals," said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. "We are pleased that our Corporate Accountability and Grant Tracker sites are helping bring state government into the light."

Additional efforts by the state to further enhance the transparency and accessibility of state government include :

· Illinois Sunshine Portal (Sunshine.Illinois.gov) - A new one-stop shop where the public can review many public records and documents online. Through the site, citizens can access detailed information on state employee pay and state expenditures via the Illinois Transparency and Accountability site; review public facilities' inspection reports, including those for schools and nursing homes; and much more.

· Grant Tracker (www.ildceo.net/granttracker) - This new site gives citizens greater access to information about DCEO grant recipients, where the money was spent, and for what purpose. Visitors can search by numerous grant categories, funding streams, regions and by organization name.

· Illinois Hospital Report Card and Consumer Guide to Health Care (www.healthcarereportcard.illinois.gov) - This site helps people make better health care choices by becoming better informed consumers. The site offers information on the volume and cost of services in hospitals and treatment centers statewide, quality and safety data, and patient satisfaction surveys.

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19 Apr 2010

Grassley Drug Free Communities Bill Clears Committee

By Grassley Press

Judiciary Committee Advances Leahy, Grassley Drug Free Communities Bill

WASHINGTON (Thursday, April 15, 2010) - The Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday voted to advance legislation authored by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to authorize additional Drug Free Communities (DFC) grants that will assist community coalitions in lowering substance abuse rates in neighborhoods across the country.  Leahy chairs the panel, and Grassley is a senior member of the Committee.

Leahy and Grassley introduced the Drug Free Communities Enhancement Act in February.  The bill will allow current and former DFCs to apply for grants of up to $75,000 per year to implement comprehensive, community-wide strategies to address emerging drug trends or local drug crises.  Community coalitions qualify for supplemental Drug Free Community grants if local data shows evidence of drug use and abuse rates above the national average, or if rates of use and abuse for a specific drug continue over a sustained period of time.  Grant applicants must submit a detailed, comprehensive, multi-sector plan for addressing the emerging local drug issue or crisis within the area served by the applicant.  Applicants are eligible for grants up to $75,000 per year for up to four years.

"I have spoken with a number of Vermonters representing these community partnerships, and I have heard about the innovative frameworks they have implemented to combat drug abuse in their communities, thanks in large part to Drug Free Communities grants," said Leahy.  "This legislation will enable many of those communities to secure additional funding to continue their efforts.  Communities nationwide are facing serious drug issues, and will benefit from these enhancement grants.  I thank Senator Grassley for his partnership on this issue, and I hope the Senate will quickly pass this legislation."

"Grassroots organizations are creating strategies to fight drug abuse in their own communities and succeeding.  Their efforts have made a real difference on the frontlines.  It's clear that Drug Free Communities grantees know how to best meet the challenges faced by a particular community," Grassley said.  "Now, the enhancement grants will add another tool to help these groups identify new and emerging drug abuse issues and work to defeat the threat to their kids and families."

The Judiciary Committee has oversight of the Office of National Drug Control Policy; the DFC federal grant program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Drug Free Community grants may also be used to obtain specialized training and technical assistance to improve the operation of DFC coalitions.  The program is a matching grant program, and DFC grantees are eligible to receive federal funds up to the amount of funds raised by the organization.  The Drug Free Communities Enhancement Act authorizes funding from 2011 through 2015.  An amendment adopted by the Judiciary Committee Thursday incorporates additional oversight and transparency provisions into the legislation.

Leahy and Grassley have partnered on several legislative and oversight efforts over the years.  Last year they teamed to author the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act, which was signed into law in May.

# # # # #

15 Apr 2010

In Iowa's Interest: Enjoying Our Local Public Libraries

By Rick Martin
By Senator Tom Harkin


This week we observe National Library Week - a good time to think about the important contributions our libraries and librarians make in our communities.  First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is an observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.  This year's theme is "Communities thrive @ your library" - and I could not agree more.   Libraries have always been there for our communities.  Today they provide a place for people - no matter their income - to access the internet and all the information it provides.  And they still serve, as they always have, as places to do in depth research, to discover a new book, to hold discussions or just a place for kids to escape into their imagination. 

The growth of public libraries in Iowa is a unique story.  Between 1892 and 1917 Andrew Carnegie provided funds for 101 community libraries - 49 of which are still in use today - and seven academic libraries across the state.  In fact, Iowa was one of the top beneficiaries of Carnegie's efforts to promote libraries.

And these libraries could not function without the dedication of our librarians.  These trained professionals often go un-thanked but really play an important part in preserving our literary history and helping us get the information we need.  I am grateful to them for all of their hard work.

During National Library Week, we are also reminded of the importance of reading skills in a child's development.  Unfortunately, a wide literacy gap exists between our nation's disadvantaged children and those with greater resources, but parental efforts to read to and with their children on a daily basis can promote the literacy of all children.  Research proves that reading aloud with children is the single most important activity for helping them become successful readers.  I fondly remember being read to as a child and reading to my two daughters when they were young.  That's why every week I participate in a program called "Everybody Wins!"  The organization's mission - one mentor, one child, one book at a time - is a testimony to the impact volunteers can have on a child's life.  Many libraries and schools across the country offer a similar program and during this week I encourage everyone to read to the children in their lives and consider participating in a similar program in their community.

Libraries all over the county, whether public or academic, are doing their part in bridging the literacy gap this week and all year, often hosting guest speakers and poetry readings, providing library assistance programs, arts and crafts sessions and other programs.  I recommend you check out your local library to participate or volunteer or even find out more about getting a library card.

For more information on National Library Week, please visit:  http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/pio/natlibraryweek/nlw.cfm

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13 Apr 2010

Survey Results Show Rock Island Improved

By Jennifer Fowler

Every two years, the Community Marketing program of Renaissance Rock Island conducts a telephone survey to determine statistically valid perceptions about Rock Island. Personal Marketing Research, Inc. (PMR) was contracted to administer the survey in the fourth quarter of 2009. The sample for the study was comprised of 800 respondents, allowing for an overall margin of error of +/- 3.5 percentage points at 95% level of confidence. 400 Rock Island residents and 400 non-residents were questioned.

The 34-page executive summary can be downloaded at this link  http://www.liveri.com/index.php/business/community-profile/community-survey

Overwhelmingly, Rock Island residents believe that Rock Island is a good place to live (91%). The majority of residents have a positive view of Rock Island (65%) and non-residents have a neutral perception (56%).

When rating City services and the School District, residents gave more positive answers than in 2007. Residents feel that the amount of property taxes paid for City services (46%) and School District services (48%) is appropriate. All City services were rated above average by residents. Residents think the schools are better or much better than five years ago (36%).

Respondents state that Rock Island has the best downtown (39%). This has changed dramatically since 1990 when respondents thought Rock Island had the worst downtown. People go downtown for entertainment, dining, and bars and this has remained consistent since 1990.

Residents and non-residents agree with the Rock Solid, Rock Island brand statements - now five years old: Rock Island is a welcoming environment, a place that supports entrepreneurial spirit, and a place that celebrates a diverse environment. Rock Island offers a wide variety of residential housing options, has innovative public and private schools, offers a complete set of recreational and leisure activities, provides outstanding city and governmental services and is a regional leader in downtown development.

Respondents feel that Rock Island is safe (76% stated very safe or safe), and more residents stated so (87% stated very safe or safe). Residents feel safe in their neighborhoods (84% stated very safe or safe). Respondents feel that Rock Island properties are well kept (63%), with residents feeling more so (71%). Respondents feel downtown Rock Island is safe (49% stated very safe or safe), while more residents felt safe (54% stated very safe or safe).

Perceptions of Rock Island have improved since 1990, due to continual improvements in the city. However, just as stated in the conclusions of the 1990 market research, work will need to continue.

13 Apr 2010

Nearly $30 million for Disaster Recovery and Economic Development

By Grassley Press
WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration has awarded five grants totaling nearly $30 million to Iowa communities that are still recovering from severe flooding over the last several years.

The Economic Development Administration serves as a venture capital resource to meet the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States through the promotion of innovation and competitiveness and preparing regions for growth and success in the global economy.

According to the Economic Development Administration, the disaster recovery projects work to minimize economic dislocations resulting from natural and other disasters, improving responsiveness and effectiveness in the recovery process.

The Economic Development Administration has awarded funds as described below.

· Columbus Junction will receive $2,902,500 to help construct a new water treatment facility outside the floodplain.

· Dubuque will receive $1.5 million to help construct a multi-level parking facility.

· Iowa City will receive $22 million to help relocate the north wastewater treatment facility out of the Iowa River floodplain and $3 million to help design and perform engineering work to reconstruct and elevate Dubuque Street and the Park Road Bridge.

· Shenandoah will receive $232,500 to reconstruct storm sewer infrastructure in downtown Shenandoah.

-30-

06 Apr 2010

State of Iowa Has AAA Rating With Fitch Ratings

By readMedia Newswire

DES MOINES, IA (04/05/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced today that Iowa has the highest rating from another top bond rating company. Fitch Ratings has joined Standard and Poor's in giving the State of Iowa's general obligation bond rating the best possible rating, 'AAA.' "This is great news for Iowa," Fitzgerald stated. "Two of the major rating firms say we have the best possible rating. It says a great deal about our economy and financial management."

Iowa's AAA rating results from Fitch's move to a global rating scale. This recalibration makes their ratings for municipal and corporate entities more comparable. "We are among fourteen states that have the Fitch AAA rating," Fitzgerald stated, "So, in these tough economic times, Iowa has stayed the course and experts notice." Credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet its financial commitments. Fitch analyzes a state's economy, financial management and liabilities to establish its credit quality.

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23 Mar 2010

MORE BUDGET CUTS AND DELAYED PAYMENTS WILL INCREASE HOMELESSNESS IN ILLINOIS

By Bob Palmer
Four advocacy groups working to create affordable housing and end homelessness released a report today demonstrating that unless the State of Illinois passes comprehensive tax reform even more people will lose their housing and become homeless. The entire report is available at www.housingactionil.org.

The report was based on a survey of state-funded providers of homelessness prevention funds, emergency shelter, homeless youth programs, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing.

Among the survey's key findings were:

1. Agencies are already turning people in need of housing away due to state budget cuts. Sixty-one agencies turned away 1,292 people in January 2010 because of prior year state budget cuts, representing 9% of the 13,720 people they were able to serve. This does not include additional people who were turned away for issues not related to state budget cuts, such as lack of bed space.

2. Agencies are already owed a significant amount of money by the state and are taking on additional debt to manage the crisis. In total, 54 agencies are owed $10.2 million from the state in delayed payments, or about $189,000 per agency. The average delay in state payments is slightly less than 3 months, with delays as high as 9 months.

3. State-funded programs create jobs and leverage federal funding. State funding for 61 agencies supports more than 1,600 jobs across Illinois. Forty-nine agencies are leveraging $47.7 million in federal funds every year that depend on a state match.

4. More budget cuts will result in fewer people receiving services and the loss of state-funded jobs. Based on the responses of 66 agencies, if programs are cut substantially in the FY11 budget, 79% of agencies would have to reduce services and 74% of agencies would have to lay off staff. Forty-one percent of agencies would have to eliminate programs.

The agencies surveyed are funded by line items that receive a combined $36.5 million in state funding. While that total represents only a small portion of state funding?less than 1% of the $4 billion in total General Revenue Funding for the Illinois Department of Human Services?the harm caused by cuts to these programs are troubling examples of the larger impact of cuts to human services overall.

"While Governor Quinn deserves credit for acknowledging the need for revenue increases, his proposal falls far short of what is needed," said Bob Palmer, Policy Director for Housing Action Illinois. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn released his fiscal year 2011 budget proposal on March 10. He proposed over $2 billion in cuts. Although not included in his formal proposal, Governor Quinn is advocating for a 1% increase in the income tax.

The report was prepared by the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Housing Action Illinois and the Supportive Housing Providers Association. All four groups are members of the Responsible Budget Coalition.

"The 200-plus organizations of the Responsible Budget Coalition believe the best and fairest way to adequately fund all our essential priorities?education, health care, human services, public safety and more--is through comprehensive tax reform like House Bill 174, that passed in the Illinois Senate in 2009," said Lore Baker, Assistant Director for the Supportive Housing Providers Association.
23 Mar 2010

Senator Chuck Grassley - the week ahead

By Sen. Charles Grassley
Grassley will meet with Iowans from the American Coalition for Ethanol; the Hungry Canyons Alliance; the American-Israeli Political Action Committee; the American Gas Association; the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society; the Denison Job Corps; the National Association of Postal Supervisors; the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Prairieland Economic Development Corporation; the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; the Iowa State Association of Letter Carriers; the Iowa Pork Producers Association; the National Association of Postmasters of the United States; Iowa State University; the Iowa Student Loan Board; the American Society of Association Executives; the Iowa Farm Bureau; and Kids Speak Up for Epilepsy.

Grassley will meet with young Iowans participating in the National 4-H Conference.  The 4-Hers are from Ankeny, Burlington, Fort Dodge and Lake Mills.

Grassley will meet with a young Iowan from Belle Plaine who is participating in the Close-Up program, which helps students increase their knowledge of government and citizenship.

Grassley will also meet with young Iowans from Clinton (Prince of Peace Academy); Eldridge (North Scott High School); and New Vienna (Beckman Senior High School. The students are participating in the National Young Leaders Conference.  During the conference, students visit with policy makers and other leaders in an effort to hone their understanding of current events and political issues.  Additionally, students take part in group discussion and decision-making exercises to prepare them for leadership roles.

· On Monday, March 22 at 2 p.m. (CT), Grassley met with community leaders from the Council Bluffs area.  The Iowans are in Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress about the community's priorities in the upcoming appropriations process as well as other legislative initiatives.

· On Tuesday, March 23 at 8 p.m. (CT), Grassley will host a live, interactive telephone town hall meeting with Iowans. Grassley will answer questions from constituents for the duration of the program which is expected to last approximately one hour.

· On Wednesday, March 24 at 8:30 a.m. (CT), Grassley will participate in a Senate Agriculture Committee mark-up.  The committee will consider the "Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010."

· On Thursday, March 25 at 9 a.m. (CT), Senator Grassley will participate in a Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting.

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22 Mar 2010

More Iowa Counties to Receive Disaster Assistance

By Sen. Charles Grassley

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said President Barack Obama amended a major disaster declaration for Iowa, triggering the release of FEMA funds to help more Iowa counties recover from the severe winter storm and snowstorm that occurred from December 23 - 27.  Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.

"Winter weather hit Iowa extremely hard and caused an enormous amount of damage," Grassley said.  "It's good to see this disaster being addressed by President Obama so Iowans can continue cleaning up the damage."

FEMA will additionally provide assistance to Buena Vista, Dickinson, O'Brien, Palo Alto, Plymouth and Pocahontas counties through the Public Assistance program.  The Public Assistance program assists state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

FEMA will also provide snow assistance to additional counties for emergency protective measures for a 48-hour period for Buena Vista, Dickinson, O'Brien, Palo Alto and Plymouth counties.

All Iowa counties are also eligible to apply for assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant program.  The Hazard Mitigation Grant program assists state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

Grassley sent a letter to Obama asking him to grant Governor Chet Culver's request to declare Iowa a major disaster area as a result of the severe winter storm and snowstorm that occurred on December 23 - 27.

Click here to see a copy of Grassley's letter.

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