11 Jul 2014

Braley Seeks Input of Iowans on Proposed Social Security Cuts

By Kirsten Hartman

Congressman releases survey ahead of impending cuts to Social Security Administration services

Washington, D.C. - Days after sending a letter to administration officials demanding answers on Social Security service cuts, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today is calling on Iowans to share their experiences with Iowa Social Security Administration offices as he continues his push to delay the cuts to the essential services that 11 million Americans?including many Iowa seniors?used just last year. Braley will share the comments he receives with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

"It's important the Social Security Administration knows that Iowans are paying attention and aren't going to sit around while these important services disappear without warning or a single penny saved," Braley said. "Tens of thousands of Iowans use these services and the Social Security Administration needs to hear exactly how those Iowans are going to be affected."

 

Iowans are encouraged to go to braley.house.gov to share their experiences and take a survey about their experience utilizing services at Social Security Administration field offices.

Beginning August 2014, SSA will no longer issue Social Security number printouts in its field offices.  In addition, beginning October 2014, SSA field offices will stop providing benefit verification letters, except in emergency situations.  Many seniors rely on these verification letters for a variety of services. Those requesting this information would be able to do so only online or over the phone. Last year alone, 11 million Americans used SSA offices to request this information.

Iowa's 19 SSA field offices are located in Cedar Rapids, Decorah, Dubuque, Marshalltown, Waterloo, Burlington, Coralville, Davenport, Ottumwa, Council Bluffs, Creston, Des Moines, Ames, Carroll, Ft. Dodge, Mason City, Sioux City, Spencer, and Storm Lake.

Over 450,000 Iowa seniors received Social Security benefits in 2013.

Braley's Seniors' Access to Social Security Act would prevent those cuts for one year, during which time Braley will seek verification that the proposed service cuts will not adversely affect Iowa's seniors and will save taxpayers money.

This week, Braley wrote a letter to SSA Commissioner Carolyn Colvin asking her to provide a series of answers about the proposed cuts, including whether an analysis of cost savings has been done and if public input was solicited prior to the proposed cuts. Braley also sought information from Colvin on how Iowans seeking these services would be informed of cuts.

In June, Braley joined a Congressional push to prevent the elimination of the SSA services in a letter to the head of the SSA, noting that it's vital that seniors be able to receive these services in person especially given that telephone wait times for SSA services have risen drastically in the last year, and that many seniors lack internet access.

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10 Jul 2014

Braley Demands Answers on Social Security Service Cuts

By Kirsten Hartman

Congressman: It's irresponsible to make these cuts without input from Iowans and an analysis of cost savings

Washington, D.C. - After recently introducing legislation that would delay upcoming cuts to Social Security field office services, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today called on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide evidence that they considered public input and that the cuts would save taxpayers money.

"These cuts are being made with no input from Iowa's seniors and without one shred of evidence they'll save taxpayers a penny?and that's irresponsible," Braley said. "Eleven million Americans?and tens of thousands of Iowans?use these services every year, and it doesn't appear the Social Security Administration has even made Iowans aware of cuts that are only weeks away."

Beginning August 2014, SSA will no longer issue Social Security number printouts in its field offices. In addition, beginning October 2014, SSA field offices will stop providing benefit verification letters, except in emergency situations.  Many seniors rely on these verification letters for a variety of services. Those requesting this information would be able to do so only online or over the phone. Last year alone, 11 million Americans used SSA offices to request this information.

Braley's letter asks Social Security Commissioner Carolyn Colvin to provide a series of answers about the proposed cuts, including whether an analysis of cost savings has been done and if public input was solicited prior to the proposed cuts. Braley also sought information from Colvin on how Iowans seeking these services would be informed of cuts.

"Millions of Americans rely on Social Security, and now is simply not the time to impose misguided and unjustified cuts to services," the letter to SSA Commissoiner Carolyn Colvin reads.

Braley's recently introduced Seniors' Access to Social Security Act would prevent those cuts for one year, during which time Braley will seek verification that the proposed service cuts will not adversely affect Iowa's seniors and will save taxpayers money.

Earlier this week, Braley visited the Social Security Administration field office in Cedar Rapids to voice his opposition to the impending cuts. Braley also recently joined over 100 lawmakers to express their opposition to cuts to vital services at Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices.

Iowa's 19 SSA field offices are located in Cedar Rapids, Decorah, Dubuque, Marshalltown, Waterloo, Burlington, Coralville, Davenport, Ottumwa, Council Bluffs, Creston, Des Moines, Ames, Carroll, Ft. Dodge, Mason City, Sioux City, Spencer, and Storm Lake.

Over 450,000 Iowa seniors received Social Security benefits in 2013.

 

A copy of the letter can be found HERE.

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09 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Law Further Assisting Adoptees' Access to Birth and Identity Information

By Rick Martin

Illinois Leads Nation in Expanding Adoptee Rights

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will help adoptees and their birth family members learn more about their family history. Today's action follows the historic Illinois Birth Certificate Access Law, signed by the Governor in 2010 and recognized as the most expansive adoptee rights legislation enacted in the nation. Today's ceremony is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to protecting and improving the health of the people of Illinois.

"People have a right to know the first chapter of their lives and should have what they need to fill in the branches on their family tree," Governor Quinn said. "This information can also be vital when determining inherited traits and medical history. This new law will help Illinois' adoptees gain access to what is rightfully theirs."

House Bill 5949, sponsored by State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and State Senator Iris Martinez (D-Chicago), will help people gain information about their biological family history including obtaining original birth records when one of their grandparents was adopted as a child. In 2010, Governor Quinn signed a bill to provide adopted adults greater access to copies of their original birth certificates without having to get a court order. The law has helped adopted adults learn more about their birth families, including medical histories. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, more than 10,000 adoptees have gained access to these documents since the bill became law.

"Nearly 17,000 children have been adopted in Illinois in the last 10 years alone," Department of Children and Family Services Acting Director Bobbie Gregg said. "We applaud Governor Quinn and the General Assembly for continuing to expand the rights of these adoptees and their families."

"Governor Pat Quinn has recognized the importance of this very basic human right and has led the nation on restoring access to original birth certificates for adoptees," Representative Feigenholtz, an Illinois born adoptee, said. "Governor Quinn has fulfilled the dreams of 10,500 adopted adults who have spent a lifetime trying to fill in the missing pieces of their lives. He will forever be remembered for his unflinching leadership on pushing these measures."

"This legislation permits biological parents and adoptees the access they need to either learn about family health history or connect with each other if so desired," Senator Martinez said. "Streamlining the process so information is obtained in a timely, efficient manner when needed through the courts is important."

State Representative Ann Williams (D-Chicago) is also an adopted adult. However, her birth certificate remains under lock and key in the state of Pennsylvania.

"It is a bittersweet day for me as I anxiously await the opportunity to get a glimpse of my original birth certificate," Representative Williams said. "Pennsylvania and the rest of the nation should follow the Illinois model and provide adopted adults with this simple piece of paper."

The new law is effective Jan. 1, 2015.

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09 Jul 2014

Braley-Introduced Resolution on Congolese Adoptions Overwhelmingly Passes House

By Kirsten Hartman

Passage of Congressman's bipartisan resolution latest step to reuniting families

Washington, D.C. - The United States House of Representatives today passed H.Res 588?a resolution that Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) introduced with Rep. Collin Peterson (MN-07) and a bipartisan coalition?in an overwhelming and bipartisan fashion. The resolution officially requests that the Congolese government resume processing adoption cases and issuing exit permits which have been stalled, keeping parents like Michael and Erin Peat of Dubuque from bringing home their two children.

"It's clear that the issue of uniting these families has bipartisan support?and that's in line with the overwhelming support I've seen from Iowans who want to see this issue resolved," Braley said. "We need to keep up the pressure on the Congolese government until all of the American families currently living in limbo are able to bring their children home."

 

Less than a week ago, Braley wrote to Speaker Boehner urging him to quickly bring up the legislation for a vote in the House.

 

Hundreds of families have had their adoptions suspended, but the Peats are one of only about 50 families that have had it occur at such a late stage in the process. They were granted their adoption visa by the United States. However, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) suddenly refused to issue exit letters, which is the final step allowing families to bring their children to the United States.

In June, Braley met with Erin Peat and other families from Clear Lake, Bettendorf, and West Des Moines who are facing delays in their adoptions from the DRC.

Braley has written the Congolese Prime Minister, the Congolese Ambassador to the United States, and Secretary of State John Kerry calling for a resolution to this issue.

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08 Jul 2014

BETTENDORF ROTARY ANNOUNCES 2014-15 OFFICERS

By Glenn Kass

Sharon Sarver is President of club in 57th year of "Service Above Self"

Bettendorf, IA - The Bettendorf Rotary Club announces its officers for 2014-2015. The gavel was passed from Chelsea Powers to Sharon Sarver who will serve as President of the club for the next year.

Sarver is employed by Family Resources, Inc. and has worked in a variety of positions since arriving in 1996. She currently is responsible for grant writing and foundation relations. A member of Bettendorf Rotary since 2009, Sarver has served as co-chair for the club's Lobsterfest event the last two years.

Here is the complete board roster for 2014-15:

President:  Sharon Sarver

President-Elect:  Kevin Kraft

Secretary:  Johanna Smith

Treasurer: Laurie Dobesh

Club Service:  Chris Glass

Community Service:  Jonna Schuler

Youth Service:  Dr. Jim Spelhaug/Dr. Theron Schutte

Vocational Service:  Tim Lane

International Service:  Dimy Doresca

Rotary Foundation:  S.K. Nanda

District Grant Chair: Jim Slavens

Immediate Past President:  Chelsea Powers

The Bettendorf Rotary Club (www.bettendorfrotary.com), chartered on May 22, 1957, has more than 100 members fulfilling the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self" in a variety of local, regional and national community volunteer projects. The club meets each Wednesday at Noon at Fortune Garden Restaurant, 2211 Kimberly Road, Bettendorf. In addition to the website, you can find the club on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bettendorfrotary).

Bettendorf Rotary Club is part of Rotary International (www.rotary.org), founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, a Chicago businessman and University of Iowa alumnus. The international organization, now based in Evanston, IL, has more than one million members participating in 32,000 clubs located in more than 200 countries.

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07 Jul 2014

Under Bipartisan Pressure from Reps Loebsack and Fitzpatrick, Ethics Committee Reverses Rule Change

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Dave Loebsack (D-IA-02) and Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA-08) Thursday commended the House Ethics Committee for reinstating the disclosure requirements for privately funded travel for Members of Congress. Loebsack and Fitzpatrick had authored a resolution that would have forced the Ethics Committee to take this step had it not overturned the changes.

"I commend the Ethics Committee for coming to their senses and reinstated the disclosure requirement for privately funded travel. These moves only deepen the mistrust the American people have in Congress. It is important for the American people to have greater access to information about who is paying for these trips and I plan to continue to monitor any future rule changes," said Congressman Loebsack.

"I applaud the Ethics Committee for their swift decision to overturn the changes to the travel disclosure requirements for members of Congress. In these times of heightened partisanship, it is important to recognize that Representatives from both sides of the aisle joined to express their wishes to be held to a higher standard," said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

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03 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Hosts Annual "Iftar" Dinner

By Rick Martin

Governor Observes Ramadan with Muslim American Community Leaders in the "Peoples' House"

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn was joined by more than 100 Illinois Muslim American community leaders Wednesday evening to observe Ramadan with a traditional "Iftar" meal at the Executive Mansion. Governor Quinn inaugurated the custom in 2013 as part of his agenda to make Illinois the most welcoming state in the nation.

"The sacred month of Ramadan is a time of fasting, sacrifice and reflection and I'm honored to participate in this special occasion," Governor Quinn said. "With more than 500,000 members, Illinois' Muslim American community is rich in its diversity and Ramadan reminds us that our common bonds far outweigh our differences."

In 1805, Thomas Jefferson was the first U.S. President to observe Ramadan in the White House with a sunset dinner for Sidi Soliman Mellimelli, a Tunisian who was the first Muslim envoy to the United States. Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama have all hosted Iftar meals in the White House.

The menu for Governor Quinn's Iftar featured halal lamb kabuli palau, mantoo (beef dumplings), dates, baklava (a honeyed pastry) and tea.

The Governor has strived to make Illinois the most welcoming state in the nation. This year, he approved plans to establish the first health care facility in the nation to meet the needs of Muslim American patients. He has also signed legislation to ensure that Muslim college students are not penalized for missing an exam on Muslim holy days. In addition, the Governor announced the creation of the first-of-its-kind council in 2011 to advise appropriate policy developments and other issues of significance impacting Illinois' Muslims.

The diversity of Illinois' Muslim American community is reflected in the Governor's Muslim American Advisory Council. Appointees of the council - who serve with no compensation - represent many ethnicities and national origins, speak many different languages and represent a wide variety of professions. Governor Quinn today received the recommendations of his Muslim American Advisory Council's third semiannual report.

The Council commended Governor Quinn for his efforts to increase Muslim American participation in the state workforce and foster greater cultural sensitivity by state employees, as well as for his condemnation of attacks on Illinois Muslim centers.

To learn more about Iftar and Governor Quinn's Muslim American Advisory Council, see: www.muslimamerican.illinois.gov.

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03 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Strengthen African American Family Commission

By Katie Hickey

Commemorates 50th Anniversary of Civil Rights Act by Signing New Law at Chicago's Oldest African American Church

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law to strengthen the Illinois African American Family Commission. The Governor signed the legislation at the Quinn Chapel AME Church, the oldest African American congregation in Chicago. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all Illinois residents.

"The Civil Rights Act was signed 50 years ago and proved that working hard for what you believe in can change the world," Governor Quinn said. "History shows that in the fight against injustice, justice will always prevail. This new law is the latest of many steps in the long journey toward true equality in Illinois."

Senate Bill 121, sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and State Representative Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago), expands the African American Family Commission's role to include monitoring legislation and developing programs to address the needs of African Americans in Illinois. The new law also updates official statistics concerning education, employment, income and health and adds additional state agencies to the commission to assist with implementing the commission's recommendations. The new law is effective Jan. 1, 2015.

"Including African-Americans in the development and planning process of policies and programs will guarantee Illinois is better serving the needs of minorities," Senator Hunter said.

"I am proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights movement and the strides that we have made toward social equality," Representative Dunkin said. "The African American Family Commission is a critical tool in furthering our efforts to overcome inequalities in the black community such as access to employment opportunities, healthcare, quality education and a fair justice system. I am honored to stand here with my colleagues and the residents of Illinois to make positive change for the future of our state."

Courageous acts such as nation-wide sit-ins, the March on Selma and the integrated Southern bus tour of the Freedom Riders in the 1960s helped lead to passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. President John F. Kennedy first proposed the legislation, and it was drafted by Attorney General Robert Kennedy. President Lyndon Johnson picked up the torch and a bipartisan push in the U.S. Senate, led by Illinois' U.S. Senator Everett Dirksen, broke the filibuster that opponents were trying to use to stop the legislation.

Governor Quinn has long supported equal rights and opportunities for all. Between 2008 and 2013, Illinois increased state contracts awarded to minority and women-owned firms by more than 59 percent - an increase of more than $120 million. He fought for legislation creating a program that provides working capital loans for minorities and women and ensuring a fair state contract bidding process for minority and women-owned businesses.

In addition, Governor Quinn led the charge for marriage equality and signed legislation making Illinois the 16th state in the nation to embrace full marriage equality. He also created the Governor's Office of New Americans to provide services, build partnerships and spearhead legislation to improve the integration of Illinois' two million immigrants. The Governor has also more than doubled the number of Illinois Welcoming Centers, which provide a wide range of services to newcomers.

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02 Jul 2014

Housing Credits to Create or Preserve 48 units of Affordable Housing in Rock Island

By Robert Jackson Jr.
Housing credits leverage private investment, create jobs, bring in revenue for local and state economies and do not impact local or state budgets

 

Chicago - Nearly 700 affordable rental apartments will be built or preserved across Illinois thanks to Housing Credit allocations approved by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) on Friday, June 27.

The Housing Credit is the most successful federal affordable housing program in our nation's history, producing and preserving close to 100,000 affordable rental homes annually through public-private partnerships.  It creates quality affordable housing for working families and people with special needs (such as the elderly, the disabled, veterans and the homeless) in urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the country.

Since its creation in the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the Housing Credit has enabled IHDA to provide a critical financing tool for the development of 80,000 units and created an estimated 80,000 jobs in Illinois.  Since Governor Pat Quinn took office, 16,450 units have been built and an estimated 16,000 jobs have been generated across the state thanks to the Housing Credit program.

"Governor Pat Quinn is dedicated to leveraging public-private partnerships to meet the affordable housing needs of working families, seniors and people with disabilities," IHDA Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "Our communities improve as a whole when low- to moderate-income residents have options for affordable housing, and these new developments will create quality full-time jobs that keep our economy moving."

The Housing Credit contributes more to the creation of housing than any other federal housing resource. Housing Credits generate private investment in affordable housing when the credits are sold to private investors. The equity generated reduces the debt that the developer would otherwise have to borrow, and as a result, a property can offer lower rents.  The Housing Credit serves those whose income is 60 percent or less of the area median income (AMI) or $25,380 for a one-person household in the Rock Island area. However, the Housing Credit exceeds this requirement by assisting households well below that limit.

Private investors, not the Federal Government or the taxpayer, bear the risk.  Housing Credit properties perform well and have an extraordinarily low foreclosure rate of only 0.62 percent over the history of the program.

The Tax Credit allocations approved on Friday will generate an estimated $7 million in private equity to support one development and more than 90 jobs across the Rock Island Area. Demonstrating the State of Illinois' dedication to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities or special needs, nearly one-half of the total units will be supportive housing, providing more options that enable residents to live independently in the community of their choice.

The Rock Island development approved for Housing Credits is below. For a full list, visit www.ihda.org/developer/approvedProjects.htm.

  • Diamond Senior Apartments of Princeton (Princeton): New construction located blocks from downtown Princention. The development will consist of 48 single-story homes, including one and two-bedroom units for low incomes residents and seniors.
About the Illinois Housing Development Authority

IHDA (www.ihda.org) is a self-supporting state agency that finances the creation and the preservation of affordable housing across Illinois. Since its creation in 1967, IHDA has allocated $12.4 billion and financed approximately 240,000 affordable housing units for residents of Illinois.

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02 Jul 2014

Man arrested for assaulting female at SCC

By Lieutenant Bryce Schmidt

On Wednesday, July 02, 2014 at approximately 1010 hours, the Scott County Sheriff's Office responded to the area of Scott Community College (SCC) reference a report of a female who had been physically assaulted.

Just minutes prior to the assault, the 47 year old female parked at SCC to watch a PV/Central high school baseball game. As she was exiting her vehicle, she was approached and physically pushed back into her vehicle by a male subject. The female struggled back, honking her vehicle horn and yelling.

She drew the attention of spectators at the game. The male subject took off running toward SCC, as a few spectators ran after him and kept view of his whereabouts. The spectators initiated a call to the Scott Emergency Communications Center (SECC) who in turn dispatched Deputies. A Deputy was able to take the male subject into custody shortly thereafter without incident.

The female while visibly upset by the incident, was not seriously injured.

The female did not know the male subject prior to the incident.

The male subject was identified and charged as follows:

Name: Anthony Duane Williams, Jr, age 24, a resident of Rock Island.

Charges:

1 count of Burglary 2nd Degree, a class "C" felony.

1 count of Driving While Revoked, a simple misdemeanor.

William's total bond on the charges filed is $ 10,300.00.

A photo of Williams can be seen at www.scottcountyiowa.com under "Sheriff's Office Inmate Listings" for today's date.

The case remains under further investigation.

No further information is being released at this time.

"A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty."

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