09 Jul 2012

President Obama to Attend a Roundtable with Iowa Family

By Randy Stalsberg

DES MOINES -- On Tuesday, July 10, President Obama will travel to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he will visit the home of Jason and Ali McLaughlin to discuss the need for Congress to extend middle-class tax cuts that would prevent a tax hike on all families earning less than $250,000. The President believes our economy grows from the middle out and that's why his plan would prevent a $2,200 tax burden on families like the McLaughlins. Currently, as a result of the tax cuts President Obama has already signed into law, the McLaughlins will receive a total of about $4,900 in tax relief over the President's first term.

In addition to the President's call to extend middle-class tax cuts, his plan would also ask millionaires and billionaires to pay their fair share and let the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthiest expire, which would help families like the McLaughlins send kids to college, buy new homes, pay for health care and child care, and help the economy recover from the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. This is part of the President's plan to cut the deficit by more than $4 trillion and make investments that strengthen the middle class while cutting spending and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share.

Following his roundtable with the McLaughlins, the President will deliver remarks at a grassroots event at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, where he will continue to outline his plan to build an economy that is grown from the middle out, not from the top down, where everyone has a fair shot to succeed and plays by the same set of rules.
09 Jul 2012

Iowa Mayors and County Officials Release Memo Expressing Concerns for Mitt Romney's Record of Outsourcing

By Rick Martin

DES MOINES, IA - Today, six Iowa Mayors and County Officials released a memo expressing their deep concerns about Mitt Romney's record of outsourcing American jobs, both as Governor of Massachusetts and an executive at Bain Capital. As job creators in their cities and counties, local elected officials are standing with President Barack Obama and his vision for a job-creating economy that's built to last, where hard work pays and responsibility is rewarded.

Memo signers are from across the state, representing large and small cities and counties:

  • Mayor Chaz Allen, Newton
  • Mayor Warren Woods, Creston
  • Mayor Buck Clark, Waterloo
  • County Supervisor Lu Barron, Linn County
  • County Supervisor Rick Larkin, Lee County
  • County Supervisor Tom Hockensmith, Polk County

 

MEMO

From:   Mayors Chaz Allen, Warren Woods and Buck Clark and County Supervisors Lu Barron, Rick Larkin and Tom Hockensmith

To:       Interested Parties

Re:       Iowa Mayors and County Officials Concerned with Mitt Romney's Record of Outsourcing

We represent six Iowa cities and counties, large and small, urban and rural. Combined, we represent close to 800,000 Iowans. As leaders in our communities, our mission is to help our businesses grow and create jobs for hardworking middle-class families.

Manufacturing contributes more to Iowa's economy than insurance and finance, construction, and agriculture combined. Iowa ranks sixth in the U.S. for top manufacturing states in terms of GDP (17.8%). Unfortunately, middle class families in our communities have experienced the devastating impact of a company's decision to move manufacturing jobs overseas.

Thankfully, under President Obama's leadership, we have seen jobs coming back to our communities after years of watching them get shipped away. We've seen more than two consecutive years of private-sector job growth, and Iowa manufacturing is growing, adding close to 20,000 jobs since 2009. We are putting Iowa's middle class back to work, and it is the kind of progress we must continue.

Last week, the Obama administration filed an unfair trade case with the World Trade Organization to hold China accountable for unfair trade practices that hurt American workers in the auto industry.  President Obama bet on the American worker when he supported the auto rescue and he knows that?with a level playing field?American workers will always win. That's why we support President Obama and his vision for a job-creating economy that's built to last, where hard work pays and responsibility is rewarded.

On the campaign trail, Mitt Romney has said he knows how to create American jobs, and suggests that his business experience gives him special insight into the economy. But Mitt Romney wanted to "let Detroit go bankrupt", which would have devastated the American auto industry and the millions of jobs it supports.  Romney's record on outsourcing, both as Governor and as the head of a corporate-buyout firm, and troubling comments on job creation, is deeply concerning to us.

A recent Washington Post article revealed that under Mitt Romney's leadership, Bain Capital owned companies that were pioneers in shipping American jobs to countries like India and China - creating profits for Romney and Bain's investors at the expense of middle-class American workers. As Governor, he signed a contract that sent state call-center jobs to India and vetoed a bill that would have prohibited sending state jobs overseas.

We are working hard every day to create economic opportunities for our cities and counties, and policies enacted at the federal level are vital to our success. Mitt Romney's record at Bain and in Massachusetts threatens the work we do to protect the economic security of middle-class Iowans and are not the values we want to see in our President.

We are also concerned about the proposals Romney has said he would enact as President. One of the only plans he has detailed would eliminate taxes on companies' foreign profits, giving companies incentives to send American jobs to other countries. Instead of closing corporate loopholes or giving tax breaks to companies that keep jobs here at home - as President Obama has proposed to do - Romney's policies would eliminate American jobs and weaken middle-class security.

The policies he is advocating for are familiar and troubling to us. It's the same formula that we tried in the last decade that benefitted a few, but crashed our economy and hurt the middle class. We need a President who stands with the American worker and focuses on job creation here at home like President Obama, not policies that would ship American jobs overseas.

In our cities and counties - and the rest of Iowa - refuse to go backward. We know we can make the products Americans want right here in our communities. We know our workers are the best in the world. As Vice President Joe Biden said in Iowa last week, "The president and I don't see American workers as part of the problem. We see them as the heart of the solution."

Sincerely,

Mayor Chaz Allen, Newton

Mayor Warren Woods, Creston

Mayor Buck Clark, Waterloo

County Supervisor Lu Barron, Linn County

County Supervisor Rick Larkin, Lee County

County Supervisor Tom Hockensmith, Polk County

 


09 Jul 2012

#TopStatesIA Governor, Lieutenant Governor launch Iowa promotional campaign with CNBC's "Top States Twitter Battle"

By Office of the Governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced Iowa's participation in CNBC's "Top States Twitter Battle," and encouraged all Iowans on Twitter to use #TopStatesIA to assist in promoting Iowa's stature as a great place to do business.

In addition to engaging on Twitter, CNBC offered each governor the opportunity to record an "elevator pitch" video and submit it as part of the campaign. Produced in the Iowa governor's office, the brief video explains why Iowa is a top state for business. The video is found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnmfO92glyo&feature=relmfu

The Twitter battle and video are a part of the CNBC "Top States for Doing Business" annual rankings show. This is a high-profile, yearly ranking of all 50 states on 43 measures of competitiveness developed with input from business groups including the National Association of Manufacturers and the Council on Competitiveness.

"We are excited to launch this promotional campaign, because Iowa has dedicated, hard-working people and some of the best employers in the country," said Gov. Branstad. "We intend to highlight Iowa's benefits through this video, and through our Twitter account."

The Twitter battle does not affect the "Top States" ranking. Host Scott Cohn ranks the states based on reporting on a variety of quantitative and qualitative data and metrics.

Branstad added he hopes Iowa comes in strong in the CNBC "Top States" rankings, but there is always more work to do in terms of luring new business and industry to Iowa.

"I am not completely satisfied with our business climate because property taxes remain too high in Iowa," said Gov. Branstad. "We have made progress on limiting burdensome regulations and creating our new Iowa Economic Development Authority, but our work on job creation and improving Iowa's business rankings should continue to be a priority for all of us. Additionally, our efforts to improve our education system are vitally important in moving Iowa forward."

Reynolds noted their travels, and the importance of being on the ground and in communities when taking into account Iowa's job creation efforts.

"The governor and I are excited when we get the opportunity to visit various businesses throughout Iowa, and again this week, we have another ribbon cutting," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "We hear the concerns of job creators in Iowa, and we work to address them after each and every visit. This is an exciting time for Iowa, and we want to continue building on our successes, while working every day to create a hospitable jobs environment.

# # #
06 Jul 2012

The Chairman's Report July 5, 2012

By A.J. Spiker

Good Afternoon!

As I am sure you are all aware, last week week the Supreme Court ruled that Obamacare is constitutional. While most of us strongly disagree with this decision, it should light a fire in all of us to get to work. The only way to ensure that Obamacare is repealed in full is to send President Obama and the rest of the Democrats packing in November. Please donate to help us ensure victory in 2012.

Please see my statement below in response to the ruling:

"President Obama clearly lied to the American people when he promised not to raise taxes on middle class Americans. Obamacare not only raises taxes on every single Iowan, but also guarantees higher health care costs and deficits in perpetuity. The winners today are big corporate health insurance companies who lobbied vigorously for this law and government bureaucrats, while patients have lost control over their personal heath care decisions.

 

"The Supreme Court's decision today is a set back for believers of individual liberty and smaller government all across Iowa, but rest assured this will only energize us even further. The Republican Party of Iowa will be working tirelessly to send Mitt Romney to the White House along with a full Republican delegation to Congress in order to repeal Obamacare in its entirety and replace it with meaningful market-driven reforms that will reduce costs, protect patients and increase quality of care."

There is a vacancy in the Iowa Delegation for an alternate delegate spot to the National Convention in Tampa. The State Central Committee will be filling this opening so please contact a member of the Committee if you are interested. Their contact information can be found here. We hope to fill this vacancy soon as the Convention is just around the corner!

Last month the Republican Party of Iowa added an incredible 11,000 new voters across the state. We now hold an over 21,000 voter registration lead on the Democrats! I know that this trend will only continue as we work hard to reach out to the disaffected Democrats across the state who have been hurt by President Obama's failed policies. This is certainly good news as we hope to build on this positive momentum as we head into November.

Please be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on twitter.

To Victory,

A.J. Spiker

Chairman, Republican Party of Iowa

Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa. 621 E 9th Street. Des Moines, IA 50309 515-282-8105, iowagop.org

05 Jul 2012

Are You Tired of Politics Yet?

By Move America Forward
TIRED OF POLITICS YET?
LET'S PUT THE IDEOLOGY ASIDE FOR A WHILE
EVERYONE SAYS THEY SUPPORT THE TROOPS...NOW PROVE IT!

It seems like politics is everything these days. Every news story turns into a way for politicians to gain political capitol by using it to articulate or prove their point of view. Meanwhile our troops are forgotten.

WE SEE CONSTANTLY ON THE TV, THE RADIO, ON THE WEB - THE CALLS FOR MORE DONATIONS FOR SOME POLITICIAN, PAC, OR CAUSE.

LET OUR TROOPS KNOW YOU WILL NEVER FORGET THEM
SEND A PACKAGE WITH GOODIES TO SHOW THEM YOU CARE!

OUR TROOPS DON'T FIGHT POLITICAL BATTLES THEY FIGHT REAL BATTLES. THEY DON'T PLAY POLITICS - THEY DO THEIR JOB TO KEEP AMERICA SAFE.

Isn't it time we pause the political "battle-to-the-death" and remember that America is ACTUALLY STILL IN A REAL WAR? Both sides -- the right and the left -- should be able to agree that the freedoms and liberty we have in America are worth fighting for. Let's put aside our difference and come together to support our troops, who fight for the freedom and safety of all Americans, regardless of ideology!

In this time of divisive politics and never ending attack ads, Americans that once came together for common goals such as supporting the troops, are now being torn apart and the real loser in this equation is the troops that we depend on. 

Because of the importance of the election this year we are finding that raising money for the troops is not on people's minds. As politics consumes the TV,  radio and newspapers, stories about our troops are on the back pages or none at all. To change this and show the troops the honor they deserve we must start now by coming together 4th of July and our Troopathon and show our heroes the support they deserve as they continue on in Afghanistan.

Let's welcome them home from the fighting together, as one voice of gratitude and appreciation, not divided over who is going to make talking points out of our troops sacrifice to win an election.

SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION BY SENDING CARE PACKAGES
TO LET OUR TROOPS KNOW YOU WILL NEVER FORGET THEM!
TROOPATHON IS NON- PARTISAN,
NON-POLITICAL. FOR THE TROOPS

These pro-troop celebrities are putting the politics aside, and giving some of their time to the troops. They're participating in TROOPATHON to help raise money for care packages for our soldiers, marines, sailors, airmen, and guardsmen overseas!

They will be participating in Troopathon on July 12th along with many other pro-troop celebrities!
03 Jul 2012

STATEMENT OF ERIC REYES ON PETITION CHALLENGES

By Eric Reyes
Candidate for Congress

Illinois' 17th District

(Rock Island, IL) - Congressional Candidate Eric Reyes issued the following statement regarding the current attempt to eliminate Independent candidates for U.S. Congress.

"On June 25, 2012 we ?led our petition to be placed on the ballot for the general election on November 6, 2012.  Our petition met the requirements set forth by Article 3, Section 3 of the Illinois Constitution, which states in its entirety, "All elections shall be free and equal."  Supporters of the democratic candidate have challenged our petition, in an attempt to disenfranchise voters and keep Eric Reyes off the ballot. Their lack of faith in their own candidate and the wisdom of the voting public is disturbing. As I've said all along, I have every intention of ?ghting this battle, on behalf of the voters, through the court system. These objectors have chosen to spend tens of  thousands of dollars in legal fees and to waste thousands of dollars of taxpayer money attempting to eliminate a choice the voters deserve to have. I'm certain the voters will remember which candidate didn't believe they deserved a choice this election."

Eric Reyes is a full-time attorney and father from Rock Island, IL. The only lifelong resident of the district in this election, Reyes graduated from Rock Island High School, Augustana College, and Northern Illinois University College of Law. He is also a former Assistant States Attorney.

For more information on Eric Reyes or his campaign, please visit his website: www.EricReyes.us.

###
02 Jul 2012

Obama for America Iowa Announces Veterans & Military Families for Obama Steering Committee

By Elizabeth Purchia

Campaign Announces July is Veterans for Obama Month

 

DES MOINES - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley announced the Veterans & Military Families for Obama Steering Committee.  He was joined by two members of the Committee Marc Wallace from Des Moines and Sarah Petersen from Sioux City.

 

The President knows that we owe our veterans and their families the care they were promised and the benefits they have earned. The Steering Committee will engage fellow veterans across the state about the importance of this next election. They will help lay out the choice between President Obama and Mitt Romney's plans and what they really mean for veterans and their families.

 

"The men and women who serve in our military make incredible sacrifices to keep America free and strong," Braley said. "President Obama understands that the debt we owe our veterans is more than just gratitude - it's giving them opportunity and care when they return home.  That's why he's worked so hard to jumpstart veterans hiring, improve educational opportunities, and strengthen mental health care for our vets."

 

President Obama:

·         Kept his promise and ended the war in Iraq. When he took office there were over 140,000 combat troops serving in Iraq; today there are none.

·         Refocused our efforts on dismantling and defeating Al Qaeda, brought Osama bin Laden to justice and began bringing our troops home as we transition security responsibility to the Afghan people.

·         Signed two tax credits into law to encourage businesses to hire unemployed veterans and those with service-connected disabilities.

·         Implemented and improved the most comprehensive educational benefit for veterans since the original GI Bill of 1944.

·         Boosted the Veterans Affairs budget to ensure that as record numbers of veterans enter the VA health system they receive timely access to the highest quality benefits and services.

·         Made it easier for veterans suffering from PTSD to get the benefits he or she needs and every VA medical center provides services for veterans suffering from PTSD.

·         Ended "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Our military is stronger and safer now that patriotic gay men and women no longer have to live a lie in order to defend the country they love.

 

"The President knows that we have a sacred trust with our veterans and their families the care they were promised and the benefits they have earned," said Petersen. "That's why he is committed to ensuring that veterans can find work when they return home, receive the health care and benefits they've earned and have the chance to get a college education through the post-9/11 GI Bill. As millions of our servicemen and women return home from war, now more than ever we must fulfill our duty to them."

 

From providing education and job opportunities for our veterans to ensuring they have the health care they deserve, President Obama will fulfill our commitment to our service members.

 

"Veterans know President Obama has their backs - but they're left to wonder what Mitt Romney would do as Commander-in-Chief," said Wallace. "Romney doesn't seem to care about honoring the sacred trust America has with veterans and their families. Judging from his record, policies and promises, he would break that trust. In Romney's 160-page, 59-point plan for jobs and economic growth, veterans weren't mentioned at all. Not once."

·         As Massachusetts governor, Romney cut veterans' programs by hundreds of thousands of dollars in his first month in office, and he even tried to cut the funding for veterans by more than 11 percent in his first budget.

·         The Congressional Republican budget, which Romney endorsed as "marvelous" would -- if applied across the board -- slash funding for Veterans' Affairs by $11 billion a year

·         Romney suggested privatizing veterans' health care making veterans use vouchers to buy health care - even though that would leave many veterans unable to pay for the essential health care they earned and need.

As part of today's Steering Committee launch, the campaign announced that July is Veterans for Obama Month.  Campaign staff and volunteers will show their support at 4th of July parades and events this week.  Additionally, veteran-to-veteran phone banks will be hosted to allow people to share their stories and to share the accomplishments of the Obama Administration in providing for those who serve. Iowa veterans and family members will arrange and host local events and house parties to bring veterans together to celebrate their service, discuss the next election, and get them involved in the campaign. The first event will take place in Polk County on July 19.

 

The members of the Veterans and Military Families for Obama Steering Committee include :

·         Billy Langham, Ames: Retired Air Force Master Sargent who worked in the NSA and spent 15 years overseas; in countries including Italy, Japan, Thailand, Turkey, Korea, and England. Upon returning, he worked in manufacturing and project management.

·         Lucas Beenken, Belmond: Served in the National Guard and used the GI Bill to attend Drake University. During his senior year, Lucas was deployed to Iraq. He went on to complete his Master's Degree at Drake and was elected to the Wright County Board of Supervisors. Lucas led the Pledge of Allegiance at the President's grassroots event in Des Moines this May.

·         Art Heyderman, Bettendorf:  Served 3 years active duty, including a tour in Vietnam, and for 27.5 years in the Reserves. Art was a member of Corps of Engineers, working in both research and development and as a nuclear weapon specialist and spent many years as an Army civilian.

·         Will Overstreet, Cedar Falls: A life-long Iowan, Will is a member of the Iowa National Guard.  He was deployed to Afghanistan, and currently is a teacher with the Waterloo School System.

·         Jerry Huffman, Cedar Rapids: Served 20 years in the U.S. Army, serving in many locations including the Aleutian Islands, Japan, Korea, Turkey, and Honduras.

·         Amanda Irish, Coralville: Enlisted in the Marine Corps weeks after Sept. 11, 2001, feeling compelled to serve her country. Amanda is a leader of the University of Iowa Veterans Association and is currently pursuing a B.S. degree in human physiology and pre-medicine.

·         Sam Reno, Des Moines: From 1990 to 1996, Sam served in the United States Marine Corps, assigned to the Rock Island Arsenal Recruiting Command and 4th Marine Division General Support Maintenance Company. He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree from Drake University and is a Neighborhood Team Leader for OFA in Northwest Des Moines.

·         Marc Wallace, Des Moines: Served in the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps and the Iowa National Guard.  Marc is a prosecutor in the Marion County Attorney's Office and the Iowa Public Defender's Office. In 2008, Marc was the State Chairman of Iowa Veterans for Obama.

·         Ron Healey, Dubuque: Served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. Ron is retired from Deere & Company and has been working with veterans through the UAW veterans group and the Veterans and Military Families for Progress, which is concerned with suicide prevention and issues facing returning service members.

·         Stan Klein, Lu Verne: In 1965, Stan went to Vietnam on the U.S. Army's 3rd plane into the country.  He served as a Captain in Vietnam for a year and remained in the Guard Reserve for 23 years. He currently is farming in Northern Iowa.

·         Jake Krapfl, New Vienna: Served in the U.S. Army, seeing two tours of duty in Iraq as a Paratrooper. He is currently an English and writing instructor at Northeast Iowa Community College.

·         Terry Phillips, Riverside: Joined the Navy at 17 in 1965 and was based in Hawaii and served on a number of ships in a communications capacity. Terry returned to graduate from the University of Iowa and started his own business as a contractor.

·         John Pomberg, Salem: Served in the Navy from 1967-1988 in the Tonkin Gulf, Persian Gulf, Southern Atlantic, and Caribbean on air craft carriers and destroyers. John currently works for the Iowa Department of Corrections.

·         Larry Olk, Sheffield: Served in U.S. Army in Vietnam in 1968 in the 2ND Field Forces. Larry is retired from a civilian military career and serves as the Franklin County Democrats Chair.

·         Sarah Petersen, Sioux City: Military wife whose husband served two tours overseas

To learn more about Veterans & Military Families for Obama go to www.barackobama.com/veterans.
02 Jul 2012

Loebsack Public Schedule for Tuesday, July 3rd

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack is continuing his focus throughout the week on servicemembers, veterans, military families, and veterans services.  Dave will hear firsthand from veterans, meet with military family members and honor the men and women who work so hard to support our troops.

Host Veterans Forum

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT Dave will continue a series of Veterans forums he is hosting throughout Iowa

WHERE Walden Place

2426 Walden Place

Iowa City

TIME 9:30am

 

Visit YMCA Military Kids Camp

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT Dave will have lunch with kids of military families who are participating in the camp

WHERE Camp Abe Lincoln

1624 Front St. (HWY 22)

Blue Grass

TIME Lunch begins at Noon

 

Visit Shelter House

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT Dave will meet with staff to discuss the recent grant the Shelter House received to assist homeless veterans find employment

WHERE 429 Southgate Ave

Iowa City

TIME 2:30pm

 

Attend Red, White and Boom to Present House Resolution Honoring the Arsenal's 150th Anniversary

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

Congressman Bobby Schilling

WHAT Congressmen Loebsack and Schilling will present a copy of House Resolution 720, honoring the Rock Island Arsenal's 150th Anniversary at locations in Illinois and Iowa

WHERE Schwiebert Park

On the river front between 17th and 20th Streets
Rock Island, IL

6:30 pm

LeClaire Park

400 West Beiderbecke Drive

Davenport

7:00pm

 

###
02 Jul 2012

Congressman Bruce Braley Holding Conference Call to Announce Veterans & Military Families for Obama

By Obama for America Press Office

OFA to Announce that July is Veterans for Obama Month

DES MOINES - Tomorrow, Congressman Bruce Braley will host a conference call to announce the Veterans & Military Families for Obama Steering Committee.  Two members of the Committee Marc Wallace from Des Moines and Sarah Petersen from Sioux City will join Rep. Braley on the call.

The President knows that sacred trust with those who serve and protect our nation. It's a commitment that begins at enlistment, and it must never end -- we owe our veterans and their families the care they were promised and the benefits they have earned.

The Steering Committee will engage fellow veterans across the state about the importance of this next election. They will help lay out the choice between President Obama and Mitt Romney's plans and what they really mean for veterans and their families.

Members of the committee come from: Ames, Belmond, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Dubuque, Lu Verne, New Vienna, Riverside, Salem, Sheffield and Sioux City.

Monday, July 2

1:00 PM

WHAT: Congressman Bruce Braley will host a conference call to announce the Veterans and Military Families for Obama Steering Committee Members

WHO: Congressman Bruce Braley

Marc Wallace, U.S. Army Intelligence Corps, Iowa National Guard and the 2008 State Chairman of Iowa Veterans for Obama

Sarah Petersen, Military wife whose husband served two tours overseas

02 Jul 2012

Two Weeks, Six Bipartisan Accomplishments for Braley

By Jeff Giertz

The Supreme Court's landmark healthcare decision is dominating headlines across Iowa and the United States today.  Your attention is likely focused on the implications of this historic decision for Iowa and its effect on thousands of Iowans, and rightfully so.

But I wanted to take a break from healthcare for a brief moment to draw your attention to a remarkable series of accomplishments in recent days by Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01).  Even for a representative recognized for his effectiveness, the previous two weeks have been some of the most productive in his Congressional career.

That this string of bipartisan achievements has come at a time of historically bitter division in Washington by a representative in the political minority in Congress makes it all the more impressive.  Simply put, Rep. Braley couldn't have found success on these measures without effectively bringing people together from both sides of the partisan divide.

They may not be accomplishments that will command bold headlines in newspapers or lead the evening news, but they represent the kind of real progress on issues we need to protect jobs in Iowa for middle class families and veterans, keep our kids safer, and create new economic opportunities.

In the words of our Vice President, it's is a big... well, you get the idea.

Without further ado, I bring you Braley's Big Six Bipartisan Accomplishments (of the last 10 days):

BRALEY'S BIG SIX BIPARTISAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS (OF THE LAST 10 DAYS)

1. Better Use of Refrigerator Regulations Amendment. Bipartisan bill introduced May 2012 by Braley and Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (GA-03); amendment version unanimously adopted by the US House and added to HR 4480, the Strategic Energy Production Act of 2012, on 6/21/12.  Measure removes burdensome government regulations on refrigerated deli-style display cases that threaten the future of their manufacture in the United States.  Lennox Industries (facilities in Marshalltown, Iowa) makes the deli cases.  More information: http://go.usa.gov/wa8

·         Marshalltown T-R: Braley Helps Remove Red Tape Impeding Manufacturing

2. Kadyn's Amendment. Bipartisan amendment unanimously adopted by the US House and added to HR 5972, the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act, on 6/27/12.  Requires the federal government to devote at least $10 million to helping states enforce traffic laws that punish reckless drivers for illegally passing stopped school buses.  More information: http://go.usa.gov/wxe

·         Des Moines Register: Kadyn's Amendment passes US House

·         KCRG: Kadyn's Amendment included in Transportation Bill

·         Mason City Globe-Gazette: US House passes Kadyn's Amendment

3. HR 3524, Disabled Veterans Employment Protection Act. Bill introduced November 2011 by Braley was unanimously approved by the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on 6/28/12.  Provides military and National Guard veterans up to 4 weeks of unpaid leave each calendar year for treatment for a service-related injury without fear of losing their jobs.  More information: http://go.usa.gov/vJ0

4. HR 5747, Military Veteran Home Protection Act. Introduced May 2012 by Rep. Elijah Cummings (MD-07).  Braley version introduced and unanimously adopted by Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on 6/29/12 expands and improves protections from home foreclosures against military veterans and surviving spouses of servicemembers who died while serving our country.

5. HR 4057, Improving Transparency of Education Opportunities for Veterans Act. Introduced February 2012 by Rep. Gus Bilrakis (FL-09). Braley version introduced and unanimously adopted by Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on 6/29/12 targets aggressive and deceptive marketing to service members and veterans by some educational institutions and provides veterans with standard information about post-secondary institutions to help vets make more informed choices about college.

6. HR 3826, Keeping College Affordable Act. Co-introduced by Braley and others in January 2012, was the first legislative proposal to keep college student loan interest rates low.  Blocks the increase in student loan interest rates by indefinitely extending the low, 3.4 percent interest rate on subsidized federal student loans.  Today, the US House approved in a bipartisan vote a compromise version that keeps student loan interest rates at 3.4 percent for the next year.  More information: http://go.usa.gov/waf

# # #

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 Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 

* indicates required

View previous campaigns.

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.