29 Aug 2011

RIVER BARON VODKA NAMED ONE OF THE NATION'S BEST

By Administrator

New York, NY, August 29, 2011 - A local favorite has been recognized as one of the best in the nation when it comes to fine vodka.  TheFiftyBest.com recognized locally crafted River Baron Vodka as one of the top 10 vodkas made in the United States.

River Baron, which is distilled at Mississippi River Distilling Company in Le Claire, Iowa, was named as eighth best in a sampling held in New York City.  A panel of 28 judges participated in a blind taste test to determine the nation's 50 best handcrafted vodkas.

River Baron Vodka was one of the highest scoring spirits in the competition and was awarded a silver medal.  Judges comments included:  "Full sweet nose, butterscotch, vanilla, buttery, cotton candy, banana, nutty, sweet butter, pepper, light spice, smooth, velvety, assertive, very light, really good, perfect."

The vodka is made from 100% local ingredients.  Corn from Le Claire, Iowa and wheat from Reynolds, Illinois are used to make this handcrafted vodka. Distillers say the honor is a big thrill.  "We're a tiny distillery in little old Le Claire, Iowa." said owner and distiller Garrett Burchett.  "To have aficionados in New York City even taste our vodka, let alone call it one of the best, is a real thrill."

The small distillery has come a long way in a short time says distiller and owner Ryan Burchett.  "It's been a wild ride.  In eight months, we've seen over 10,000 tourists visit our distillery.  We've launched three products with two more on the way before the year is out.  Now to be recognized as one of the best in the country, is somewhat surreal.  It's been so much fun to watch this thing grow in such a short period of time."

TheFiftyBest.com is an award winning website that provides rankings for various products and services including gourmet dining, wine & spirits, travel, and luxury goods.  The site bills itself as, "A good taste guide to things that taste good."

Mississippi River Distilling Company is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays.  Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment.  The tour takes visitors through the entire distilling process.  Tours end in the Grand Tasting Room with free samples of products for those patrons over 21 years of age.

#####

29 Aug 2011

King, Grassley, Harkin Ask USPS to Delay Consolidation of Sioux City Mail Processing Facility

By Grassley Press
Washington, D.C.- Congressman Steve King (R-IA), Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announce that they have formally requested that the United States Postal Service delay the implementation of its plan to consolidate mail processing operations in Sioux City with a mail processing center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The request was made in a letter sent by the three members of Congress to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe this afternoon. The letter notes that a delay in the final implementation of the consolidation proposal is warranted and necessary because the USPS has spent weeks stalling the release of information sought by Sioux City officials attempting to prepare a counter proposal in advance of the September 16 deadline.

"It is clear that the USPS is attempting to 'run out the clock' on Sioux City's efforts to develop a counter proposal to the USPS consolidation plan, and they should not be given a free pass to do so," said King. "The Postmaster General promised me, Senator Grassley and Senator Harkin that Sioux City would be given sufficient time to analyze the AMP data and to develop a counter proposal, but for three weeks the USPS undermined this commitment by stalling the data's release. The request for a delay is reasonable, and the USPS should grant it to honor the Postmaster General's promises to the community."

"Up to this point, the Postal Service's response to questions and concerns from the congressional delegation and Sioux City community leaders has been disappointing," said Grassley. "Yesterday's meeting, for the first time, provided some information to the community, but it's too little, too late, and puts Sioux City in a difficult situation.  Sioux City deserves better treatment than what it's gotten from the Postal Service. The least the Postal Service can do is provide additional time for the community to adequately respond."

"After yesterday's meeting, it is abundantly clear that USPS is slow-walking this process," said Harkin. "The only reasonable option at this point is to try to delay any closure until sufficient information is available from all relevant groups."

The text of the letter sent by Congressman King, Senator Grassley and Senator Harkin follows:

August 26, 2011

Mr. Patrick R. Donahoe
Postmaster General &
Chief Executive Officer
United States Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Room 10022
Washington, DC 20260-0010


Dear Postmaster General Donahoe,

We are writing to request a delay in the final implementation of the consolidation of Sioux City's mail processing operations into those of the mail processing facility located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

On August 1st, when we met with you in Senator Grassley's office, you committed to us that Sioux City's community and business leaders would have the opportunity to present the Postal Service with a counter proposal to avoid closure of Sioux City's processing plant, and you assured us that these leaders would be given the information needed to develop such a proposal.  Yesterday, more than three weeks after our meeting, Postal Service officials traveled to Sioux City in an effort to fulfill your commitment. It was the first time that city and community leaders were given any additional information about the rationale for the proposed consolidation and the type of counter proposal that would be necessary to keep Sioux City's mail processing plant open. In light of this fact, we believe that it is reasonable to ask the Postal Service to delay the final implementation of this consolidation to allow sufficient time for city and community leaders to develop a competitive counter proposal.

We also understand that in the coming days the Postal Service will be announcing plans to further reduce its nationwide mail processing network through the closure of a significant number of other processing facilities across the country. We believe that a delay in the closure of Sioux City's mail processing center will allow the Postal Service the opportunity to better consider the value of a processing center in Sioux City in light of a nationwide mail processing network that will soon undergo profound changes.

While we appreciate the efforts on behalf of the Postal Service that went in to arranging yesterday's meeting, yesterday's meeting was more than three weeks overdue and specifically excluded Postal Service employees who were best able to assist the community in analyzing the data presented. This is of significant importance because we have been told that any counter proposal from the city must be submitted by September 16th. Given the delay caused by the Postal Service in convening yesterday's meeting, the importance of the information provided yesterday regarding what a successful counter proposal might look like, and the impact that the soon to be announced realignment of the Postal Service's processing network might have on processing operations in the tri-state area, we believe that a delay in the final implementation of this consolidation is both warranted and necessary.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely,


Congressman Steve King
Senator Chuck Grassley
Senator Tom Harkin

###
29 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Friday, August 26, 2011**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - August 26, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:  

   

Bill No.: HB 212  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Provides that two adjoining municipalities may enter into an intergovernmental agreement to form a business corridor if they meet the definition of a "disadvantaged municipality".  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 224  

An Act Concerning: Insurance  

Brings Illinois health insurance internal and external review laws into conformity with federal law and regulation standards by enhancing consumer appeal rights and protections.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediate  

   

Bill No.: HB 1079  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Allows Central Management Services (CMS) to require public universities to give an inventory of all items valued over $1,000.00 and requires public universities to submit an annual report to the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) and the General Assembly on tuition increases, cost-saving measures, programs created or altered, and programs with low performance.  

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed  

   

Bill No.: HB 1253  

An Act Concerning: Sex Offenders  

Amends the Sex Offender Registration Act in several sections and provides that a sex offender or sexual predator, who has never previously been required to register under the Act, must register if the person has been convicted of any felony offense after July 1, 2011.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

Bill No.: HB 1716  

An Act Concerning: Government  

Provides additional time to process FOIA requests made by "recurrent requesters", allows entities to charge for the actual costs of retrieving information and amends provisions related to the Public Access Counselor.    

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 2860  

An Act Concerning: Transportation  

Allows the driver of a motorcycle or bicycle to proceed through a red light if the signal fails to detect them. Exempts City of Chicago.  

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed  

   

Bill No.: HB 2927  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Provides a temporary wage subsidy for private sector employers who create new jobs for unemployed persons seeking jobs.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 2972  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Sets limits on the amount of time that temporary or expired appointees can continue to serve in their position.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3425  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Expands the Mid-America Medical District to include the municipalities of Belleville and O'Fallon and grants the District bonding authority.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3440  

An Act Concerning: Service Dogs  

Allows for reasonable accommodations to be made by a school for a student who uses a service animal.   

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed  

Bill No.: HB 3635  

An Act Concerning: Public Aid  

Removes any potential fiscal liability the State might accrue absent federal approval of the recently enacted nursing home assessment and payment enhancements and also creates an appeals process for ground ambulance service providers serving citizens receiving medical assistance from the State.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 63  

An Act Concerning: Elections  

Creates a new 23rd judicial circuit and changes the composition of the 16th circuit.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 83  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Allows a public utility water system to be acquired by a majority of the municipalities it serves through eminent domain and requires such municipalities to sustain the collective bargaining power of all water system employees.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 109  

An Act Concerning: Revenue  

Creates "manufacturers representatives" of cigarette manufacturers, and requires them to be licensed by the Department of Revenue.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 122  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Requires the Illinois Board of Higher Education to collect data on first generation college students and submit this data in its annual report to the General Assembly.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 123  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Allows physicians to issue public health standing orders and allows health care personnel to provide medical services within a public health clinic in conformance with standing orders issued by a public health standing orders physician without prior establishment of a physician-patient relationship.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

Bill No.: SB 269  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Provides greater opportunities for minority-owned businesses, female-owned businesses, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, and small businesses to participate in the State procurement process.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 539  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Allows two or more municipalities to designate a joint redevelopment project area under certain guidelines.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 673  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Requires that up to $500.00 annually in smoking cessation programs be covered by an insurance policy.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 675  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Transfers authority over care funds from the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to the Comptroller.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 745  

An Act Concerning: Gaming  

Allows certain fraternal and Veteran facilities to operate video gaming machines in Hamilton County.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 959  

An Act Concerning: Transportation  

Adds an airport concession fee to the list of charges a motor vehicle renter company may assess to a renter.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

Bill No.: SB 1122  

An Act Concerning: Human Rights  

Creates a civil rights violation if a person is discriminated against in the workplace on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions and modifies procedures for cases in which both the EEOC and IDHR have jurisdiction.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1228  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961 to reorganize provisions relating to theft.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1310  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Extends the sunset of the Interior Design Title Act from January 1, 2012 to January 1, 2022.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1394  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Updates the Self-Storage Facility Act to make changes to late charges, liens, and other provisions.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1435  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Extends the TIF District for the City of Lawrenceville by 5 years.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1436  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Adds areas owned by a conservation district to definition of conservation area in regards to municipal annexation of territory.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1539  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Creates the Appraisal Management Company Registration Act and extends the repeal date of the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing Act.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

Bill No.: SB 1544  

An Act Concerning: Insurance  

Establishes a filing fee cap for forms submitted to the State by insurance companies.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1557  

An Act Concerning: Government  

Changes the requirements for when physical and occupational therapy will be included under state employee insurance health benefits.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1631  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Allows counties to use the probation and court services fund to pay the salaries of probation officers and other court personnel whose salaries are reimbursed by the State if the amount of money appropriated to the counties for probation salaries for the fiscal year is less than the amount appropriated to the Supreme Court for these purposes for State Fiscal Year 2002.   

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed  

   

Bill No.: SB 1651  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Makes several changes to the Common Interest Community Association Act.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1782  

An Act Concerning: Liquor  

Clarifies that a brewer may only sell the beer it produces on the premises.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1799  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Creates a new Article of the School Code and a new system for educator licensure.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1824  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Requires life insurance policies to be allocated equitably between spouses at the time of the dissolution of marriage and allows the court to use life insurance to secure a maintenance obligation.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

Bill No.: SB 1831  

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits  

Makes a number of reforms and technical changes to the pension code.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: January 1, 2012, except certain provisions take effect immediately.  

   

Bill No.: SB 1883  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Requires universities to report to the Illinois Board of Higher Education on changes or terminations of academic programs and those programs which have low enrollment or duplicative services, who will then compile an annual report with this information.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1907  

An Act Concerning: Transportation  

Allows townships to abolish township road districts by voter resolution in an election, and to assume all previous duties and powers of the road district.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1918  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Removes oversight from distribution of incentive grants.  

Action: Veto  

   

Bill No.: SB 1943  

An Act Concerning: Public Health  

Clarifies requirements for warning statements under the Lead Poisoning Preventions Act.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1968  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Adds an immediate effective date of changes concerning the Healthcare Provider Relief Fund as a trailer bill to SB 335, the budget implementation bill.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2015  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Provides new circumstances in which a court may appoint a temporary guardian of a minor or extend that temporary guardianship.         

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

Bill No.: SB 2062  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

This bill creates the Clean Coal FutureGen for Illinois Act of 2011 and re-organizes the Illinois Power Agency.  

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed  

   

Bill No.: SB 2133  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Allows the South Suburban Community College District to issue bonds.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2288  

An Act Concerning: Safety  

Changes the definition of municipal waste incineration to exclude the combustion of alternative fuels as governed by federal biomass combustion regulations.  

Action: Veto  

   

   

 

###

29 Aug 2011

Eastern Avenue Library receives a Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating!

By Davenport Library

This has just been announced by the U. S. Green Building Council, and we are thrilled that the building has been recognized.  LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.

"Davenport Public Library Eastern Avenue Branch's LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U. S. Green Building Council.  "The urgency of USGBC's mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and the Eastern Avenue Branch serves a prime example with just how much we can accomplish."

The Eastern Avenue Branch Library achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water, and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies.  By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses, and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers, and the larger community.

The Eastern Avenue Branch Library has received four prominent awards for its construction, design and green building strategies.   Those awards are: named as a New Landmark Library by Library Journal, a national award; Midwest Construction Award for Cultural Buildings for the Midwest Region; Master Builders of Iowa Award; and the Lorraine D. Wright Award of Excellence from the National Association of Women In Construction, Quad-Cities Chapter.

The primary architect for the building was Engberg Anderson, Inc. from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with Joe Huberty as the primary architect, Debra Sider, Project Manager, and Shaun Kelly, who submitted the project to the US Green Building Council.  Bush Construction, Davenport, Iowa, was the general contractor.  A.J. Loss is President, Rob Davis is Project Manager, and Ryan Schertz is Project Superintendent. Mark Blackwood of River Place Technologies is the Commissioning Agent for the project.   All of these plus the Library Board of Trustees Buildings and Grounds Committee chaired by Greg Lundgren; the City's Project Manager, Greg Albansoder; and library staff spent many hours coordinating the project.

"We are pleased to have the Eastern Avenue Branch Project recognized as such an outstanding project for our Davenport community", said Library Director, LaWanda Roudebush.

For more information regarding the Eastern Avenue Branch LEED certification, please contact LaWanda Roudebush, Library Director, at 563.326.7837.

###

29 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Laws to Protect Consumers

By Katelyn Tye

New Laws Strengthen Repossession Regulation, Security Deposit Safeguards

CHICAGO - August 26, 2011. As part of his ongoing commitment to consumer protection, Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will enhance safeguards for borrowers and tenants. The new laws will give the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) increased oversight of entities that repossess collateral in the case of defaulted loans. They will also strengthen tenants' rights to their security deposits after a change in property ownership.

"In these tough economic times, many people are struggling to fulfill a loan or are living in a foreclosed property," said Governor Quinn. "Today's action will increase regulation of repossession businesses and create greater safeguards for tenants following foreclosure."

Senate Bill 1306, sponsored by Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley) and Sen. John Mulroe (D-Chicago), creates the Collateral Recovery Act and allows the ICC to regulate entities that repossess collateral should a debtor become delinquent on their loans. The new law establishes procedures and sets fees for license application, as well as permits for repossession business employees.

The license and permit procedure will include a criminal background check and will ensure that repossession agencies' names cannot be designed to misrepresent themselves to consumers. The law also includes a number of new consumer safeguards, such as owner notification when personal property is found in repossessed vehicles. 

House Bill 1574, sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero) and Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago), protects tenants in foreclosed properties by requiring a mortgagor to transfer security deposits and accumulated interest to the purchaser of rental properties with five units or more.

Prior to this legislation, the security deposits of tenants in foreclosures that became bank-owned were not protected under Illinois law. The new law requires all new owners of rental properties - including banks following a foreclosure - to assume liability for any transferred security deposits. Residents of the purchased property must be notified within 21 days that their security deposit has been transferred to the purchaser. The legislation was proposed by the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law.

"This legislation represents an important step towards protecting innocent tenants in foreclosed properties," said Sam Tuttle, Housing Staff Attorney from the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law.

Senate Bill 1306 takes effect July 1, 2012; House Bill 1574 is effective immediately.

 

 

###

29 Aug 2011

Gene and Shirley Newell Inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

By Joy Venhorst

Gene and Shirley Newell of Scott Coounty have been inducted into the 2011 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 21.

Eighty-eight Iowa counties are participating this year and have selected 121 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members will be presented a certificate by the Iowa 4-H Foundation as they are introduced on stage.

Gene and Shirley Newell feel 4-H is an educational experience no one should miss! Their lives have been involved with Extension and they value the influences it has had in their lives and the lives of their children. Skills learned in 4-H enabled their 3 children to find fun filled careers. Projects such as dairy and public speaking taught responsibility and leadership. Shirley has been an advocate for 4-H for 32 years on the fair board for the Mississippi Valley Fair with Gene assisting as a 4-H supervisor at the fair. They have been generous donors to the Iowa 4-H Foundation and Scott County 4-H. Their perseverance and enthusiasm has been an asset to generations of 4-H members and Extension staff.

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said Becky Bray ISU Extension Director.  Many inductees served as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa's 4-H'ers through the years.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the counties and state to recognize and celebrate 4-H volunteers and staff who have shown outstanding service and dedication to Iowa's 4-H program," said Chuck Morris, director of ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development.

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. Information about previous inductees will be available at the 2011 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building. Information about previous inductees also is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select "Recognition."

-30-

26 Aug 2011

Ron Paul Issues Statement on Libya

By Ron Paul 2012 in Iowa
Yet another unconstitutional and costly adventure
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - Today, 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul issued a statement on the situation in Libya. See comments below.

"The current situation in Libya may be a short term victory for Empire, but it is a loss for our American Republic. And, I fear it may be devastating to the Libyan people.

"There is no doubt that Moammar Gadhafi is a bad guy, and that he has brought harm and misery to his country. However, our involvement in another country's civil war is costly and unconstitutional.

"We have spent over $1 billion on a war that this administration has fought not with the consent of Congress but under a NATO flag and authorization from the United Nations.

"It is a serious thing for a President to engage us in a war. He is bound by our Constitution to seek authority from the People, through our Congress, prior to engaging in any military action unless that action is to address an imminent threat to our safety and security. The situation in Libya is a civil war contained within that country's sovereign borders, and it presented no imminent threat to the United States.

"And so, our government continues to spend trillions of dollars in overseas foreign wars while we face unsustainable debt, a looming dollar crisis, and our Constitution seems to lose any meaning. These actions will sink our country if we do not reverse course.

"Meanwhile, we must beware of any 'Mission Accomplished' euphoria. The conflict in Libya is far from over, and there could very well be war in Libya for a long time to come.

"While I hope and pray that the hostility draws to a close and the people there find peace, I fear this is only wishful thinking. We face a situation where a rebel element we have been assisting may very well be radical jihadists, bent on our destruction, and placed in positions of power in a new government.

"Worse still, Gadhafi's successor is likely to be just as bad, or worse, than Gadhafi himself.   Alternately, Libya may descend into anarchy like Somalia after the overthrow of dictator Siad Barre.  Much like when we removed Saddam Hussein, another thug in Iraq, the likelihood of either a new brutal dictatorship or tribal violence and a protracted insurgency are much more likely than the peaceful transition to democracy we are all hoping for.

"With all these problems and the predictable chaos that will likely ensue, we must ask why this administration was so eager to embark on this Libyan operation in the name of 'humanitarianism.' Governments in Bahrain and Yemen have this year used military force to put down democratic protestors. The Saudi regime, which practices Sharia Law, has also been repressive, yet we have not intervened there. These countries continue to sell us oil, while Libya had begun to turn their exports toward Russia, China, India, and Brazil. Could this war largely be about protecting our oil interests at the expense of our Constitution?

"This episode is all too familiar. We were already involved in two wars that have dragged on years longer than the people who led us into them initially predicted.  We can no longer afford to police the world, in terms of both dollars and American lives. We will destroy ourselves if we do not stop, build a strong national defense at home, and focus on trade and commerce with the world instead of Empire."

Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC. www.RonPaul2012.com

###
26 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Thursday, August 25, 2011**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - August 25, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:  

   

Bill No.: HB 78  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Creates the offense of criminal trespass to a safe school zone.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 190  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Allows for at least 5 charter schools in the Chicagoland area to educate students from low-performing or overcrowded schools and also be devoted to those high school students at risk of dropping out.   

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 237  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Creates the Illinois Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission.     

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 242  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Creates a timeframe for counties to respond to requests from townships to demolish or repair buildings considered to be a nuisance or hazard to the community and extends the time allowed for townships to pay back loans on new building projects.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 299  

An Act Concerning: Public Health  

Creates a reporting requirement for all CD4 and HIV viral load test results.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

Bill No.: HB 806  

An Act Concerning: Safety  

Places notification requirements on landowners who apply sludge to farmland.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1056  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Allows municipalities to adopt rules of procedure concerning participation during public hearings.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1069  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Requires director of the Illinois State Police to develop a process for waiver applications for qualified State police officers to act as death and homicide investigators and may grant waivers.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1095  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

The bill prohibits the use of controls in forced air heating equipment "in any non-residential structure," except for structures used for production agriculture, and provides for criminal penalties for violations of rebuilt flame safeguard controls.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1153  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Creates the Illinois Residential Real Property Transfer on Death Instrument Act.  

Action:  Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1193  

An Act Concerning: Insurance  

Sets an 18-month time limit for insurance companies to recoup payments made to providers in error.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1218  

An Act Concerning: Revenue  

Changes a number of requirements concerning tax sales and other changes to the property tax code.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: July 1, 2012  

Bill No.: HB 1488  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Creates a Management Improvement Initiative Committee to implement recommendations made in a report concerning streamlining oversight of human service providers.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1571  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Makes technical changes to the Care of Students with Diabetes Act.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1908  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Prohibits persons on parole/release for meth charges to buy pseudoephedrine unless prescribed by a physician.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1909  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Amends service of process requirements under the Counties Code for property owners who have repeatedly violated the code.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1929  

An Act Concerning: Corrections  

Increases from $2 to $5 the amount of co-payment the Illinois Department of Corrections is authorized to collect for non-emergency medical and dental care from inmates.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1973  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Amends the fee-splitting prohibition in the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 2094  

An Act Concerning: Wildlife  

Clarifies the definition of "baiting" in the Wildlife Code.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

Bill No.: HB 2193  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Creates a criminal offense for possession and sale of caustic and noxious substances, and provides for restrictions on the purchase or acquisition of corrosive or caustic acid.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 2362  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Clarifies how a defendant's medical records are given to a court-appointed expert for a determination of the defendant's fitness to stand trial.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 2804  

An Act Concerning: Wildlife  

Allows for the donation of unwanted or unclaimed deer meat by licensed meat processors.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediate  

   

Bill No.: HB 3005  

An Act Concerning: Parentage  

Restricts the definition of the term "parent" as it relates to child protection proceedings in juvenile court.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3012  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Requires stable keepers to have an enforceable lien for the cost of unpaid boarding and related expenses for horses as well as all personal property left on the premises.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 3115  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Authorizes the Illinois State Board of Education to provide funding to K-12 public and private schools for the purchase of selected textbooks through a new state block grant, replacing the former Illinois Textbook Loan Program.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

Bill No.: HB 3237  

An Act Concerning: Employment  

Creates a criminal penalty of a Class A misdemeanor for violating the Prevailing Wage Act and debars those convicted or found guilty of violations of the Act for a period of 4 years.  Permits state, local and federal law enforcement agencies to obtain relevant documents from contractors and subcontractors.  Also, ensures that officers and agents of corporations who perform prevailing wage work are held accountable for the actions of their corporations.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 3300  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act regarding victim impact statements at sentencing hearings and expands the duties of victim advocate personnel.     

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 3414  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Transfers the Illinois Main Street Program to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council to the Governor's Office.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

   

###

26 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Electric Car Coming To Illinois This Fall

By Katelyn Tye

Early Introduction of Nissan LEAF Driven by State's Targeted Green Investments

 

CHICAGO - August 25, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today joined representatives from Nissan to announce that its zero-emissions, all-electric LEAF will arrive early in Illinois, thanks to the Quinn administration's targeted green state investments in car-charging technology and strong interest among Illinois consumers. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's ongoing commitment to ensuring that Illinois continues its leadership in sustainability and the green economy while protecting consumers.

"Illinois is laying the groundwork for electric vehicles and a more green economy, and our efforts are paying off," Governor Quinn said. "By investing in electric vehicle technology, both the state of Illinois and Nissan are making transportation in our state more efficient, sustainable and affordable."

The Nissan LEAF is the first and only 100-percent electric, zero-emission vehicle available on the mass market. Early rollout of the vehicle in Illinois was driven in part by availability of electric vehicle charging stations in the Chicagoland area. Throughout this year, 280 car-charging stations are being installed throughout the metropolitan area thanks to a $1 million investment from Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital program and an additional $1 million grant secured by the city of Chicago through the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities program.

"Governor Quinn, Mayor Emanuel and other visionary Chicago-area leaders have paved the way for mass market adoption of electric cars in their community," Scott Becker, senior vice president, Administration and Finance, Nissan Americas said. "Chicagoland consumers want a transportation solution that uses no gas and produces no emissions, and the introduction of the Nissan LEAF to Illinois makes that a reality."

Nissan has accelerated the timeline for the LEAF rollout in Illinois due to strong consumer demand spurred by rising gas prices, the spread of charging infrastructure and the availability of state incentives to encourage the adoption of electric and other alternative technology vehicles. In addition to a $7,500 federal tax credit for alternative fuel vehicles, Illinois also offers up to $4,000 in state rebates, making the LEAF an affordable option for consumers.

The LEAF is recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the most efficient car it has ever certified, regardless of fuel, rating a gasoline-equivalent of 99 miles a gallon, with a range of over 100 miles per charge. It was named as the 2011 Eco-Friendly Car of the Year by Cars.com, ranked as the top green car of 2011 by the Kelley Blue Book and was chosen by international journalists as the 2011 World Car of the Year.

###

26 Aug 2011

A VACATION THAT TURNS INTO A MISSION TRIP

By Janine Parr

In early March 2011, Vernon and Loma Wegerer were among a group of twenty four on African Safari to Tanzania with Linda Meadors of Blue Horizon Travel. Upon arriving at the Kilimanjaro Airport, we were met by the Bushdrifters in their five land cruisers. The Bushdrifters is a locally owned company providing transportation and guided tours. We toured national parks, observing thousands of animals in their natural habitat.

The Bushdrifters took us to a grade school that they were building in Babati, Tanzania, approximately 300 km from Arusha. At that time the school had just walls, a roof, and wooden desks, but no teaching supplies. Since then, windows and doors have been added. Many small villages have no school at all.

Ann McConachie, a retired school teacher from Downers Grove, Illinois, was among the Safari group. Ann stayed on in Tanzania to teach English. The children in Babati can speak English but need help with sentence structure and writing. After three weeks, Ann returned to the U.S. with a desire to outfit the school with supplies. Supplies that we take for granted. Among those items are educational books, desks, chairs, teacher desks, world maps, supplies, paper, marker boards, notebooks, story books, educational games, and toys.

Vernon is working with Jordan Catholic School on a new building addition which includes new science, computer, and engineering labs outfitted with the best equipment available. Learning of the needs of the school in Babati, Jordan's administration offered to donate old, unused furniture being stored at the former Sacred Heart School, Rock Island.

On Friday August 26th, a truck with be loaded with the furniture and sent to Hinsdale, Illinois. It will then be placed in a container and shipped to Arusha, where Bushdrifters will transport the contents to Babati School.

Ann plans to return to Africa in January, 2012, for four months to instruct teachers to be more effective in teaching the English language.

Members of the tour group have established a non-for-profit fund, "AMKA AFRIKA SCHOOL FOUNDATION". Donations will be used to help pay miscellaneous expenses for the school.

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.