WASHINGTON, April 19, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and the employees of the U.S. Department of Agriculture marked the 15th Anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing with a moment of silence to honor the memories of the 168 people, including seven colleagues from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, who lost their lives.

"Olen Bloomer, Jim Boles, Peggy Clark, Dick Cummins, Adele Higginbottom, Carole Khalil and Rheta Long will always be remembered for their ultimate sacrifice," said Vilsack. "These men and women are heroes and our thoughts, prayers and sympathies go out to their families and friends on this day of remembrance."

USDA employees across the nation and around the world paused for a moment of silence to honor and remember those lost 15 years ago.  The remembrance fulfills a promise made to the families of the fallen employees ? to remember their loved ones and the spirit of unity that was born from their deaths and the deaths of others in Oklahoma City.  USDA also is thankful for the APHIS employees who survived the blast and worked tirelessly to help firefighters and other rescue personnel to assist the families of the missing.

At 9:02 am Central Standard Time on April 19, 1995, a bomb exploded in the A.P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  The building was home to many federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Social Security Administration; Housing and Urban Development; Veterans Affairs; U.S. Secret Service and the Agriculture departments.

The memories of those lost on that fateful day have helped inspire USDA employees in their efforts to serve ranchers and farmers, the public and protect and promote the Nation's food, agriculture and natural resources in Oklahoma, across the United States and around the globe.

New Law Saves Taxpayers Billions, Provides Retirement Protection for Illinois Workers
SPRINGFIELD - April 14, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed into law the most significant public pension reform bill in our nation's history that will save taxpayers billions of dollars while protecting the retirement of state workers.
"From the moment I took office, I have worked to overhaul Illinois' pension system to provide relief to taxpayers while protecting the savings of Illinois retirees. This effort was realized when the General Assembly passed a major and unprecedented public pension reform bill, and I am proud to sign it into law. I congratulate House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton for their leadership on this crucial issue. I also commend members of the General Assembly for their bi-partisan support and for helping to bring in a new era of greater fiscal responsibility and accountability to Illinois," said Governor Quinn.
The new law will save taxpayers more than $200 billion over nearly 35 years, stabilize current employee pensions and provide new state workers with an attractive pension plan.
Senate Bill 1946 was sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago). The legislation caps pensionable salary at $106,800 and raises the retirement age for full benefits to 67 with ten years of service. Employees will be eligible for reduced benefits at age 62.
The changes apply to new hires only and take effect on January 1, 2011.
The new law eliminates the 3 percent annually-compounded cost-of-living rate increase and replaces it with simple interest raises of half the consumer price index (CPI) or 3 percent, whichever is lower. The legislation also forbids the practice of pension "double-dipping," where someone receives a public pension while drawing a salary from a different public system.
The new law is being hailed by lawmakers and public servants who applaud the state's effort to reign in spiraling public pension obligations and restore the state's financial integrity now and in the future. (See attached quote and background sheets).
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Use Free Tax Preparation Help; Avoid Refund Anticipation Loans


 

CHICAGO - April 10, 2010. Governor Quinn today hailed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for providing tax relief to thousands of hard-working families and urged all eligible Illinois taxpayers to use the credit when filing their 2009 returns this year.

The Governor also encouraged those who need help filing their returns to utilize the free tax preparation assistance offered by community groups and he warned taxpayers to avoid using costly tax refund anticipation loans that are offered by some commercial tax preparation companies.

"The Earned Income Tax Credit is the best pro-job, pro-family and anti-poverty tax relief ever devised, and every eligible family in Illinois should receive the full credit," said Governor Quinn. "With the income tax deadline just five days away, it is important that Illinois' working families take advantage of free tax preparation assistance to help get their full refunds quickly and painlessly."

State partnerships with the Center for Economic Progress' Tax Counseling Project and Ladder Up (formerly the Tax Assistance Program) will offer free tax preparation assistance and e-filing for families across Illinois. Services are free for families who earned under $50,000 and individuals who made less than $25,000.

Through the partnerships, volunteer tax counselors will provide free tax assistance and counseling more than 30 sites throughout the state. Most sites will provide services from January 23 through April 15. Governor Quinn made today's announcement at Truman College in Chicago, which will serve as a Center for Economic Progress site. (A full list of locations is attached.)

Taxpayers can walk in to any of the locations, without an appointment, and work with trained volunteers who will help fill out their returns and make sure they file for all the credits, deductions and other benefits to which they're entitled.

Families raising three or more children in their home can get up to $5657 from the federal EITC with earnings of less than $48,279 (married, filing jointly). Illinois residents who claim the federal EITC may also receive the state EITC, which can save them up to $283.

Governor Quinn also encouraged residents to avoid the high cost of refund anticipation loans (RALs) offered by commercial tax preparation companies. According to a 2009 study by the Consumer Federation of America and the National Consumer Law Center, the price of a RAL for a typical loan of $3,000 can range from $62 to $110.

Most Illinois taxpayers can file state taxes for free at www.tax.illinois.gov and receive a refund in about a week. Additionally, many can file their federal taxes online for free as well. Information about filing federal taxes online can be found at www.irs.gov.

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In honor of Crossing Guard Appreciation Day May 4, 2010, Chicago Department of Transportation and the Active Transportation Alliance are asking neighbors to share stories about their local crossing guards. Chicago and suburban residents can share how much they value their crossing guard at www.activetrans.org/crossingguard

The survey will be open until through May 4, 2010, the day Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn declared as Crossing Guard Appreciation Day "in recognition of the services that these dedicated professionals provide to keep our citizens and their children safe."

"Crossing guards provide an invaluable service to our communities," said Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance. "They are out there every day making the streets safer by helping children get to school and guiding residents as they walk to the bus."

There are plenty of ways you can show your crossing guard appreciation May 4. Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians all owe a bit of thanks to our unsung heroes.

  • Download and present them with this certificate of appreciation
  • Write a thank you note
  • Draw a picture of you and your crossing guard
  • Respect the crossing guard's authority
  • Bring them flowers from your garden
  • Pay attention when driving through the intersection
  • Introduce yourself
  • Smile! Wave! Wish them a Happy Crossing Guard Appreciation Day

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. The organization builds a movement around active transportation, encourages physical activity, increases safety and builds a world-class transportation network. Formerly the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, the Active Transportation Alliance is North America's largest transportation advocacy organization, supported by more than 6,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 35 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.

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This weekend 53 high school speakers will compete in The American Legion National High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI).  A student from your area eagerly plans travel to the Hoosier capitol city on Friday.

The contest is in three phases beginning Saturday, April 10 with the opening round at 9:45 a.m.  Winners from this round will enter the semi-finals getting underway at 3:45 p.m.  The finals are Sunday, April 11 beginning at 11 a.m.  Results are generally available by noon.

Thank you for covering the outstanding high school student from your area.  The final 53 come from a field that is thousands strong when the competition began.  They are all state champions and have earned scholarship funds.

Below is a listing of contestants by state.

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CONTACT:  Joe March (317) 630-1253, Cell (317) 748-1926 or John Raughter (317) 630-1253 or (317) 441-8847.  You can also attempt to contact your local competitor at the hotel in Indianapolis.  To directly contact a competitor's room while in Indianapolis:  Hotel switchboard (317) 269-9000/1-800-627-2700.

 

State champions listed by state for the 2010 The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program - "A Constitutional Speech Contest."

- conducted by The American Legion.

 

Alabama - Elizabeth Blessing of Auburn, Alabama, is a sophomore at Farmville Christian Academy.

Alaska -  Neilius Finnesand of Anchorage, Alaska, is a senior at Kenny Lake High School.

Arizona - Nicholas Everetts of Fountain Hills, Arizona, is a junior at Fountain Hills High School.

Arkansas - Luke Macfarlan of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, is a home schooled sophomore.

California - Samuel Stone of Danville, California, is a senior at Monte Vista High School.

Colorado - Rachel Ford of Lyons, Colorado, is a home schooled senior.

Connecticut - Timothy Lachapelle of Southington, Connecticut, is a junior at Southington High School.

Delaware - Andrew Ball of Seaford, Delaware, is a senior at Sussex Technical High School.

District of Columbia - Ikechukwu, Eronini of Washington, DC, is a senior at McKinley Technology High School.

Florida - Caroline Schechinger, of St. Augustine, Florida, is a sophomore at Bishop Kenny High School.

France - Christina Lowry of Germany is a senior at Patch American High School.

Georgia - Joseph Rondone of Marietta, Georgia, is a home schooled junior.

Hawaii - Ryan McDonald of Honolulu, Hawaii, is a home schooled sophomore.

Idaho - Charles Baines of Meridian, Idaho, is a sophomore at Arts West High School.

Illinois - Matthew Schuhriemen of Naperville, Illinois, is a home schooled senior.

Indiana -Meagan McAllister of Logansport, Indiana, is a senior at Faith Christian School.

Iowa- Justin J. Grubbs of Davenport, Iowa, is a senior at Davenport West High School.

Kansas - Gray Henry of Colby, Kansas, is a senior at Colby High School.

Kentucky - Christina Sauer of Corydon, Indiana, is a senior at Presentation Academy.

Louisiana - Michael Graves of Bossier City, Louisiana, is a senior at Airline High School.

Maine -Renata Schalk of Sabattus, Maine, is a home schooled senior.

Maryland - Nathan Chai of Ellicott City, Maryland, is a home schooled junior.

Massachusetts - Nicholas Jacob of Milton, Massachusetts, is a senior at Milton Academy.

Michigan - Robin Luo of Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a senior at Portage Central High School.

Minnesota - Austin Knott of Red Wing, Minnesota, is a senior at Red Wing High School.

Mississippi - Anthony Martinez of Madison, Mississippi, is a senior at St. Joseph Catholic School.

Missouri - Derek Schulze of Warrenton, Missouri, is a senior at Warrenton High School.

Montana - Katherine Sizemore of Gildford, Montana, is a senior at North Star High School.

Nebraska - Caitlin Molczyk of Columbus, Nebraska, is a junior at Columbus High School.

Nevada - Jacqueline Burks of Reno, Nevada, is a senior at Reno High School.

New Hampshire - Katy Devine of Amherst, New Hampshire, is a senior at Bishop Guertin High School.

New Jersey - Isabelle Foley of Montclair, New Jersey, is a senior at Montclair High School.

New Mexico - Emma Elizondo of Rio Rancho, New Mexico is a sophomore at V. Sue Cleveland High School.

New York - Madison Kircher of Queensbury, New York, is a senior at Queensbury High School.

North Carolina - Daniel Nelson of Goldsboro, North Carolina, is a home schooled junior.

North Dakota - Sibinee Jokela of Watford City, North Dakota, is a senior at Watford City High School.

Ohio - Grace Pyo of Powell, Ohio, is a junior at Olentangy Liberty High School.

Oklahoma - Kristalynn Hefner of Chelsea, Oklahoma, is a junior at Chelsea High School.

Oregon -  Dalton Hellman of Canby, Oregon, is a senior at Canby High School.

Pennsylvania -- Samuel Hardy of Pazmyra, Pennsylvania, is a junior at Palmyra Area High School.

Puerto Rico -Jean DeJesus of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, is a sophomore at Antilles Military Academy.

Rhode Island - Hayley Hutchins of Hope, Rhode Island, is a home schooled senior.

South Carolina - Victoria Black of Iva, South Carolina, is a home schooled junior.

South Dakota - Joseph Schartz of Humboldt, South Dakota, is a sophomore at West Central High School.

Tennessee - Clarissa Stewart of Cleveland, Tennessee is a senior at Gateway Christian Schools.

Texas - Camille Peeples of Austin, Texas, is a senior at Hyde Park Baptist High School.

Utah - Amanda Tibbitts of Riverton, Utah, is a senior at Riverton High School.

Vermont - Brooke Connor of Bridport, Vermont is a senior at Middlebury Union High School.

Virginia - John Stegner of Powhatan, Virginia, is a home schooled junior.

Washington -Mitchell Murdock of Kingston, Washington, is a senior at Kingston High School.

West Virginia - Aleksandr Fedyszyn of Wheeling, West Virginia, is a junior at The Linsly School.

Wisconsin - Kelsey Marsolek of Independence, Wisconsin, is a senior at Independence High School.

Wyoming - Clayton Dexter of Casper, Wyoming, is a senior at Natrona County High School.

 

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision to award $2,712,118 in disaster relief funds to Iowa, and to provide an $18.9 million loan to construct a 19-bed critical access hospital in Clarinda.  The funding was competitively awarded through the USDA's Rural Development Community Facilities Program, and goes to parts of the state that have been declared national disaster areas by President Obama.  As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations committee, Harkin worked to help appropriate these funds.

"2008 is still fresh in the minds of thousands of Iowans whose communities were damaged by floods and storms," Harkin said. "These funds will help communities recover, increase disaster readiness and improve medical care.  I congratulate those who went through the competitive application process to receive these funds, and hope this gives our rural areas some much needed relief."

March 29, 2010, Davenport, IA - Senior Star at Elmore Place has become one of the Quad Cities' newest retirement communities - officially opening all of its 236 senior housing apartments that will redefine senior living. The three-building retirement campus, located at 4500 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA, features independent, assisted and memory care apartments that focus on spa-style fitness, gourmet-style dining and concierge services promoting quality of life and independence - a philosophy of world class customer service. The community has been under construction through 2009 and is now completed. It is projected to employ 200, as it contributes to economic development along the Elmore corridor with the addition of its residents and visiting families.

"Senior living is completely different than what it used to be," says Elmore Place Executive Director Leslie Dick. "The key is to help families embrace these life changes as positive, opening a new opportunity for socialization and experiences without the feelings of guilt or fear. Those in the Quad Cities contemplating retirement or considering an assisted living or memory care environment for themselves or their parents will find our community ready to enhance lives that can oftentimes be better than before."

The Independent Living complex features 61 apartments, complete with kitchenettes, a luxurious hotel-style dining area, Internet computer stations and fitness facilities such as a therapy pool, Wii lounge and much more. "Seniors can come and go, eat in their apartments or meet friends in our dining room or the pub," explains Dick. Senior Star has hired a chef to cater to all residents in each separate building within the community. "We focus on all aspects of the individual for healthy living including his or her physical, spiritual, mental and social needs. It's our goal that every resident leads what we like to call a 'Stellar Life.'"

The assisted living building has 135 units and is located in the largest building on campus. The residents are supported by a 24-hour care staff, receive assistance in all aspects of daily living, as well as individualized assessments to promote cognitive, emotional and physical independence. The building also features a grand common area for dining and community gatherings.

The memory care community features 40 private apartments and is designed especially for those with memory care needs. "We have incorporated in our memory care building design elements, practices and research-based methodologies from the Alzheimer's Association and the federal Administration on Aging in order to maximize a person's dignity, self-determination and independence," says Christine Gilbert, RN and Elmore Place memory care director. Ms. Gilbert says the new campus includes Destination ProgrammingT and a SnoezelenR room that promotes soothing, sensory experiences.

Senior Star at Elmore Place is managed by Senior Star Services in Tulsa, Okla. Senior Star currently operates or owns nine retirement communities in the Mid- and Southwest. In addition to the Elmore Place property, Senior Star also just opened another community in Romeoville, IL, a western suburb of Chicago.

"We are looking forward to becoming a part of the Quad City community and working with retirees and their children in writing a new chapter in their lives," says Ms. Dick, who relocated from Tulsa after managing a Senior Star property there. "I have found the Quad Cities to be a lot like Oklahoma - friendly and willing to work together to better our hometowns."

"We are a very community-minded organization and are ready to forge partnerships with Quad City senior advocacy organizations to ensure seniors enjoy the quality of life they deserve. Our mission is to help seniors and their families embrace senior living, and we instill this corporate philosophy of compassion in employee training programs from housekeeping to management," says Ms. Dick.
The grand opening event is Saturday, April 10, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Senior Star at Elmore Place, 4500 Elmore Ave., Davenport, IA. To tour the Senior Star Community any time, contact Rhonda Halterman at (563) 359-0100.

About Senior Star
Senior Star, based in Tulsa, Okla., is a private company founded in 1976 and entered the seniors housing business in 1989. Its portfolio currently includes nine retirement communities in six states. As a recognized leader in the seniors housing industry, the company provides independent, assisted living and memory care options. Additional information is available on the Web site, www.seniorstar.com
"I offered a bill that extended unemployment and COBRA benefits and took care of the Medicare cut that doctors across the country will be hit with if the extension doesn't pass, and I paid for it.  A win-win for everybody.  It's a shame the Democrats are filibustering this much needed help. I also offered this fully-offset package as an amendment to the reconciliation bill that the House just voted on and is now on its way to the President's desk.  But, the majority blocked both opportunities to help those in need without adding to the deficit.   My bill would help those who are still feeling the impact of a down economy and it wouldn't add to the national debt we're leaving to our kids and grandkids.  Unfortunately, the majority decided they would once again rather make a political point than pass a bill and fix the problem."  - Senator Chuck Grassley, R-!A.

Rock Island, Ill.-Augustana College will expand its outreach to the Quad-City community this fall with the creation of the Community Engagement Center (CEC). The center will centralize current and new on-campus offices that help students engage in the local, national and international community and provide a center where community partners may access student and faculty expertise.

The CEC will be made up of five offices: the Center for Vocational Reflection, Internship Services, Career Development, Entrepreneurial Development and Off-Campus Programs. The goal of the offices is to prepare and connect students with jobs, internships, and international programs; help build an experiential portfolio through volunteering, service learning and community projects; and meet the needs identified by the Quad-City community and beyond.

Augustana President Steve Bahls sees this new center as a way for the college to continue developing relationships with the community and teaching Augustana students to give back. "By establishing the Community Engagement Center, we seek not only to improve the learning experience of our students through integrative learning, but also to strengthen our continuing efforts in helping students develop personal and social responsibility," said Bahls.

The center is an extension of Augie Choice, an established program which enables students to apply for up to $2,000 to fund an internship, one-on-one faculty-mentored research or international experience. For more information about Augie Choice visit www.augustana.edu/augiechoice.

"The opportunities this new center gives our students -- to be out in the real world and to bring their gifts to the world outside Augustana -- will be a huge benefit to them and to the community," said Dr. Bob Haak, associate dean and CEC director. "We want to offer the resources we have to the great community that we live in."

Community organizations interested in learning more about the Center for Community Engagement and how they can get involved may contact Bob Haak at bobhaak@augustana.edu.

For additional information or requests for interviews, contact Kamy Beattie, director of public relations at (309) 794-7721 or kamybeattie@augustana.edu

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls nearly 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 70 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.

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YMCA Child Care Earns 5-Star Quality Rating

Scott County Family Y Is Among Few Area Providers To Achieve This Quality Assurance Level

Davenport, Iowa - March 23, 2010 - The Scott County Family Y Palmer Learning Center has earned a level 5 rating from the Iowa Department of Human Services - the highest quality assurance rating the state offers.

The Scott County Family Y Palmer Learning Center is one of only three licensed child care centers in Scott County to receive this rating, showing that the YMCA goes above and beyond state licensing standards.  "We believe that quality is an ongoing process and we continually strive towards maintaining and improving the quality of care we provide, said Deb Gustafson, Executive Director, YMCA Child Care & Family Services.  "This rating shows that our programs and staff are committed to nurturing the whole child, and his or her family, all while making sure they have a healthy and safe environment to grow and learn in."

The Iowa Quality Rating System for Child Care Providers (QRS) is a voluntary program that rates child care providers on quality indicators such as professional development; health and safety; environment; family and community partnerships; and leadership and administration.  Established in 2005 by the state legislature, QRS is designed to make providers aware of the many paths and steps they can take to improve the quality of their care.  The system also offers parents another resource in evaluating and selecting a child care provider.

As Scott County's largest child care provider, YMCA Child Care & Family Services offers a variety of educational programming for children beginning as young as 6-weeks with infant care to toddler and preschool programming. Before and after school child care is also available for children between the ages of 5 and 12.  Each Scott County Family Y child care site is state licensed and staff members receive extensive training and go through rigorous background checks.  Enrollment is open without decimation to any child and registration is first come, first serve.  For more information about the programs and services offered through the Scott County Family Y Child Care & Family Services, call (563) 323-4668 or visit www.ScottCountyFamilyY.org.

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