15 Jan 2013

Smiddy Begins Term Serving Quad Cities, Sauk Valley Regions in Illinois House

By Rep. Mike Smiddy

SPRINGFIELD - Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) began his first term as the 71st District's State Representative on Wednesday.  Smiddy will serve as a full time legislator for the district that includes portions of Carroll, Henry, Rock Island and Whiteside counties.

Raised in a working class family in the 71st District, Smiddy knows the value of a dollar.  He places economic development and creating good-paying jobs at the top of his legislative agenda, knowing that bolstering economic opportunities for working families is the key to solving the state's dire financial crisis.

"People should not have to worry about whether or not their full time job will pay enough to raise their families," Smiddy said. "We have to work together to strengthen our education system, invest in effective job training programs, and build a solid infrastructure that will support an economy that fosters the kind of job creation that gives families a fair chance at financial security."

Smiddy has spent his time since the November election traveling the 71st District and meeting with residents, business owners, and community leaders.  He plans to continue his commitment to accessibility by hosting events, town hall meetings, and satellite office hours throughout the district.

"It is crucial that residents and business owners are able to access state government easily and hassle-free," Smiddy said.  "It is an honor to represent the 71st District, and it will remain my top priority to make state government accessible and keep residents engaged in the legislative process."

For more information, contact Smiddy's off at RepSmiddy@gmail.com

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14 Jan 2013

Check out Anthony Heddlesten for Rock Island's 5th Ward

By Anthony Heddlesten
Anthony Heddlesten for Rock Island's 5th Ward
14 Jan 2013

In Iowa's Interest: A Guide to the 57th Presidential Inauguration

By Randy Stalsberg

By Senator Tom Harkin

Our country is preparing for a historic event: the 57th Presidential Inauguration on Monday, January 21, 2013.  Iowans will mark this occasion in various ways.  Some may travel to Washington to take part in the festivities, while others may kick off the events by participating in the National Day of Service.  Below, please find some helpful hints for taking part in the inaugural weekend.

The weekend begins with a National Day of Service on Saturday, January 19th.   This is a nationwide event, with events held in each state so that Americans can volunteer in their communities and give back as a nation. For opportunities to participate in your area, please visit: http://www.2013pic.org/service/serve

Inauguration Day itself is an exciting time in Washington, full of events - from the ceremony, to the parade, to the inaugural balls. It will also be a busy time in the City.  For Iowans traveling to Washington please be aware that crowds will be plentiful.  I advise Iowans to get to Capitol Hill early to go through security, and also make sure all visitors have their ticket and a photo ID handy at all times.

Following the ceremony, the inaugural parade will travel along Pennsylvania Avenue from Capitol Hill to the White House. You do not need tickets to attend - just a good spot along the National Mall - but will need tickets for bleacher seats.  The parade will include performers from all fifty states - including the Isiserettes Drill & Drum Corps from Des Moines, who will represent   our state in the 1.5 mile march.

The best way to get to the inaugural events is to walk or use public transportation. Officials are expecting large crowds over the three-day weekend, with limited parking and lots of street blockades.  Comfortable shoes are a must, and purchasing your Metro fare in advance will save time (and headache) at subway stations.  Be sure to visit the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority inauguration page for the latest information on public transportation: http://www.wmata.com/getting_around/metro_events/inauguration.cfm?nocache

Packing light is also advised for any of the day's activities as strollers, signs, coolers, backpacks and large bags, and weapons of any kind are among the items prohibited from the ticketed sections of the ceremony.  Learn more about the ceremony and events at the official 2013 Inauguration site: http://www.2013pic.org/?nosplash=true

While in D.C., be sure to visit some of the other sites as well, including the National Archives, which contains the permanent exhibit of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence; the American History Museum, which features a collection of First Ladies' inaugural ball gowns, or the Air and Space Museum, which houses the original Wright brothers plane.  All of the Smithsonian museums are kid friendly and free of charge.  Although the Capitol building will be closed on Inauguration Day, my office offers congressional tours of the complex every day of the week. Visit my website: http://www.harkin.senate.gov/services/visitdc/ for more information on booking tours through my office.

Once again, I welcome all Iowans who will be traveling to D.C. for this historic inauguration.  For those who cannot make the trip, I hope you can take part by participating in the National Day of Service.

A PDF version of this article is available by clicking here.

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04 Jan 2013

Loebsack to Congressional Leaders, President: Discussions Must Start Immediately

By Randy Stalsberg

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after calling on congressional leaders and President Obama to begin discussions immediately about how to move forward and address the unsustainable long-term deficit and debt and get our economy back on track.  Included in this week's vote to avert the fiscal cliff was a two month extension of the Budget Control Act's artificial deadline that would put sequestration in place.  While Washington once again kicked the can down the road, Loebsack is urging congressional leaders and the president to come together and find a way to set our economy on a path forward.

"When the legislation to address the fiscal cliff was passed, I called on Congress and the President to immediately begin discussions about how to prevent our economy from sliding backwards and best move forward to resolve our long-term deficit and debt problem.  Today, I renew that call because, as we have seen time and again, eleventh hour negotiations do not lead to solutions that benefit the American people or the economy.

"As we begin the 113th Congress, the number one priority that must be addressed is boosting our economy and the new jobs report released this morning served as another reminder that we cannot wait around.  We have to chart a path that will lead to long-term economic prosperity for hardworking Iowans."

A copy of the letter Loebsack sent can be seen here.

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04 Jan 2013

Celebrate Republican Dedication

By A. J. Spiker

Your Iowa Republican Leadership Has Stood Firm.

Today our office has been flooded with calls and emails about the recent vote on the "Fiscal Cliff."

Over the past few days the Republican Party of Iowa has held strongly to the belief that all proposed legislation should cut taxes, cut spending and deal with the federal government's overwhelming debt. Unfortunately bills brought to the floor of the House and Senate failed to sufficiently cut spending and they still raised taxes increase on lower and middle income families.

The Republican Party of Iowa opposed these bills and encouraged Republicans across Iowa to oppose them as well.

If you haven't yet heard, ALL THREE of Iowa's Republican elected officials voted "No" on the "Year-End Tax Plan."

Senator Chuck Grassley, Congressman Tom Latham and Congressman Steve King all stood firm on their promise to protect Iowans and their families while dealing with our crushing federal debt. Read some of their comments below:

"It's a fiscal farce to raise taxes and hurt economic growth only to fuel more government spending with record deficits and debt... "Spending restraint ought to be more than a wishful new year's resolution with no way to be certain it's kept." - Senator Chuck Grassley

"Our $3.5 trillion budget is and will continue to be our primary fiscal obstacle, and a bill that increases taxes and fails to even begin to address spending decisions is not the action American taxpayers have asked for." - Congressman Tom Latham

"This bill makes no effort to curb the out of control federal spending that's to blame." - Congressman Steve King

We encourage Republicans to thank Senator Grassley and Congressmen Latham and King for their strong stand against this bill.

Join us in Celebrating our Republican Leaders.

As we celebrate Republican leadership on a federal level, please consider joining us for our annual Legislative Breakfast to show our appreciation for our state legislators!

On Monday, January 14th the Republican Party of Iowa will be holding its first major event of the year, our annual Legislative Breakfast at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Des Moines.

Reserve your spot at the breakfast today.

This event honors our incoming Republican elected officials. We've invited all our Republican State Reps and State Senators and are proud to be joined by Governor Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, Speaker of the House Kraig Paulsen, House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer and Senate Republican Leader Bill Dix.

This is a tremendous opportunity for individuals and businesses leaders to meet our newly elected Republican officials as we begin the new legislative session. Space is limited so please Click here to reserve your spot right away.

Those who would prefer to pay via check or who have additional questions may contact the Iowa GOP's Organizational Director John Ferland at 515-282-8105.

Hope to see you there!

---

Fighting for Limited Government,

AJ Spiker
Chairman

21 Dec 2012

Loebsack and Bustos: A One, Two Punch for the Quad Cities Region

By Vonnie Hampel

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and Congresswoman-elect Cheri Bustos (D-IL) released the following statement today after Bustos was selected to serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Loebsack will continue to serve on the House Armed Services Committee.

These key committee assignments will allow Loebsack and Bustos to fight for the priorities of the Quad City region, such as strengthening the Rock Island Arsenal and replacing the Interstate-74 Bridge.

"Working together to strengthen the economy and create jobs is a top priority.  With these key committee assignments, we will be able to put the Quad City region in a strong position to succeed," Loebsack and Bustos said.  "We are pleased to have the opportunity to focus on issues important to the region in ways that will continue the tradition of working across the river."

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10 Dec 2012

Sen. Durbin's Quad City Constituents to Rally: Asking for a Middle Class Christmas

By Rick Martin

Giant banner signed by local people who will call on Bobby Schilling to

Champion "jobs not cuts" in fiscal cliff negotiations

 

(Moline, Ill.) Area residents will rally and demand Rep. Bobby Schilling fight for jobs and middle class tax cuts and against cuts to Medicare and other vital services in the so-called "fiscal cliff" negotiations over spending and taxes. The rally and protest is one of more than 100 action taking place Monday in cities nationwide.

 

"I want Rep. Bobby Schilling to work on creating good jobs and making the wealthiest 2% to pay their fair share of taxes," says Janet Clark of Rock Island. Medicare and Medicaid are not 'entitlements,' they are something the middle class has paid for our entire lives."

After the protest rally, residents plan to visit Senator Dick Durbin's office and present him with petitions signed by his constituency. The petitions ask for Sen. Durbin's continued support of the middle class tax cuts.

 

What: Rally and Protest

When: 2:00 p.m.

Where: Senator Durbin's office: 1504 Third Avenue, Suite 227, Rock Island, Illinois

Who: Constituents including retirees, students, community activists, faith leaders and union members

Why: To protect the economy and working families

 

Visuals: Enlarged petition banner will be presented to Sen. Dick Durbin. Signees are asking for Sen. Dubins continued support of middle class tax cuts.

07 Dec 2012

Braley in Davenport to Thank Scott County Supporters

By Jeff Giertz
WATERLOO, IA - On Monday, December 10th, 2012, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will host a potluck event in Davenport to thank supporters in Scott County.  Braley has represented Scott County in Congress since 2007, but due to decennial redistricting effective in January, the First Congressional District will no longer include the Iowa Quad Cities.  Attendees are asked to bring a dish to share.  The event will also feature a cash bar.

Monday December 10th, 2012
5:00pm Thank You Potluck for Scott County Supporters, Hosted by Rep. Bruce Braley
Renwick Mansion
901 Tremont Ave.
Davenport, Iowa

# # #
05 Dec 2012

Loebsack Announces Inauguration Lottery Deadline

By Joe Hand

Requests must be received by Friday, December 14 at 5pm CST

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that the deadline to register for the lottery to receive tickets to the 57th Inauguration Ceremony in Washington, D.C. is Friday, December 14 at 5:00pm CST.  Those wishing to enter the lottery must visit: http://loebsack.house.gov/inauguration and fill out the form.  There is no charge to enter the lottery or for the tickets, though winners are responsible for their own travel arrangements.

Winners of the lottery will be notified at a later date if they were chosen to receive tickets.  They will also receive information at that time about how to claim their tickets.

Inauguration Day is Monday, January 21st 2013.   It is expected there will be a variety of events that will not require tickets, including a public viewing area of the Inaugural ceremony on the National Mall and the public Inauguration parade. Iowans unable to attain tickets through Congressman Loebsack's office are encouraged to monitor the Inauguration Planning Committee website, http://inaugural.senate.gov/, for further details on non-ticketed events.

Please be aware that there are a few organizations trying to sell fake tickets to people.  Tickets are only being provided free of charge from official government offices, and tickets must be picked up in person from Loebsack's office before the Inauguration. Any group that suggests differently is providing incorrect information.

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03 Dec 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Finalize Dates of Special Election for 2nd Congressional District

By Andrew Mason

New Law Saves Taxpayer Dollars, Sets General Election on April 9 to Coincide with Local Elections

CHICAGO - December 2, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to allow the upcoming special general election to fill the 2nd Congressional District seat formerly held by Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., to coincide with previously scheduled local elections on April 9, 2013. The new law will save taxpayer dollars and empower voters as they elect a new representative to the 113th Congress. The governor proposed the change last week, and lawmakers passed legislation including the proposal during the recent veto session.

"I want to thank the General Assembly for acting swiftly to ensure that this special election is fair to the electorate and as economical as possible for taxpayers," Governor Quinn said. "This new law will save taxpayer dollars and help encourage greater participation on Election Day as voters choose their next leader to represent Illinois' 2nd Congressional District."

The new legislation ensures that both the special general election and special primary election for the 2nd District seat will take place on days when local elections are already being held, allowing for substantial taxpayer savings. Under previous law, the governor was required to issue writs of election within five days of a congressional resignation, setting a special election within 115 days of the writs being issued. In the case of the 2nd Congressional District seat, that timing made it impossible to set the special general election for April 9, the date for which local general elections were already scheduled.

Senate Bill 3338, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) and Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), modifies the 115-day timing requirement to allow the 2013 special general election to coincide with previously scheduled local general elections set for April 9, 2013. Last week, Governor Quinn set the special primary election for February 26, 2013 to coincide with a day on which polls were already set to be open for local primaries in many of the 2nd Congressional District's county precincts. The governor will issue amended writs of election on Monday. Had this law not passed, holding a separate general election would have cost taxpayers an estimated $2.5 million, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

The 2nd Congressional District is comprised of 263 precincts in suburban Cook County, 169 precincts in Chicago, 85 precincts in Kankakee County and 27 precincts in Will County. Approximately 420,000 registered voters reside in the district, of which more than half are in suburban Cook County.

In addition, Senate Bill 3338 also makes a change to election law that gives candidates more time to file petitions for the 2013 consolidated election and provides local governments more flexibility to accept petitions. Previously, the final date to submit petitions fell on December 24, 2012. While Christmas Eve is not a state holiday, some local election authorities are traditionally closed, potentially hindering timely petition filing or resulting in additional unplanned expenses to local authorities. The new law increases efficiency and reduces costs by extending the final date to file petitions to December 26, 2012.

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