20 Aug 2012

Internet Porn Ruining Male-Female Relationships, Studies Show

By Ginny Grimsley
Men Have Been in Decline for a Century, Author Says

These days, the glimpse of a naked body after being misdirected to a porn site is no shock to the average internet user. What may prove more surprising is the pornography industry's statistics, compiled worldwide, wherein a second is worth 1,000 images -- or more:

• $3,075.64 is spent on pornography ... every second
• 28,258 internet users view pornography ... every second
• 372 internet users type porn terms into search engines ... every second

"There have been several surveys about who's viewing internet pornography and what consequences they're experiencing, and the findings are disquieting," says Jim Wysong, author of The Neutering of the American Male (www.TheNeuteringoftheAmericanMale.com).

"In a 20,000-person study recently conducted by TED.com, porn is the most prevalently cited obstacle for romantic relationships between men and women in their teens and 20s. Women say guys are emotionally unavailable, and men say porn makes them less interested in pursuing a relationship.

"In reality, men have been compromising their masculine nature for several decades."

A lack of involvement by fathers in raising their sons; the overuse of prescription and illegal drugs; and uncertainty about their gender role have set American boys and men back, Wysong says.

"We all have a need to feel significant, to be accepted and loved, but those issues  prevent some males from developing fulfilling relationships," Wysong says.

"Sexual intimacy is typically a byproduct of emotional intimacy. Unfortunately, when people don't have a fulfilling relationship, their sexual desires don't disappear."

Men are often more visual and physical, so they're able to use pornography to meet some of that need in the short term. But in the long run, they also need the emotional support, nurturing and deeper connection with a partner, he says.

"It becomes a vicious cycle: Males turn to pornography seeking to satisfy unmet needs, and pornography addiction makes it extremely difficult to achieve the balanced, loving relationship that would meet their emotional needs," he says.

A Canadian study found that one in three teenage boys are "heavy porn users,'' and an Italian study reveals that a large percentage of men there suffer from "sexual anorexia," a temporary impotence, in their 20s because they were heavily into pornography in their teens, Wysong notes.

Parents, especially fathers, need to sit down with their sons and discuss sex. The lack of dialogue leaves young males to seek the answers to their curiosity on their own. Unfortunately, many turn to porn, which does not portray sex in a healthy and balanced way.

One of the most destructive things about it is that it portrays women as something to be used rather than valued and respected, Wysong says.

"Fortunately, this is something that can be remedied, both on a physical and a mental level," he says.

If you're concerned that you or a loved one is addicted to porn, Wysong suggests taking this self test from www.recoveryconnection.org:

1. Do you feel guilty or ashamed after looking at pornography?
2. Do you look forward to being alone so you can look at pornography?
3. Has pornography negatively affected your personal relationships, your job, or your finances?
4. Do you find that you have been looking at an increasing amount of pornography over time?
5. Do you look at pornography when you are bored, anxious, or lonely?

A yes to one or more of these questions may indicate a need for a quality treatment program.

About Jim Wysong

Jim Wysong is a businessman, contractor and real estate investor who spent more than 30 years observing and studying psychology and human behavior through workshops, seminars and textbooks. His efforts to better understand his own emotional discomfort led to theories that have universal applications in modern society.

20 Aug 2012

Why republic's fate really does hang on election

By Tim Bueler
First, kudos to Mitt Romney for choosing Paul Ryan as his running mate. Now, the danger: Romney, Ryan, their surrogates, their supporters and the American people will continue to treat election 2012 as just another contest to determine whose hand is at the helm of state for the next four years.

No, this election is for keeps. If Barack Obama doesn't lose his bid for a second term, he and his vast, left-wing support network of Marx-inspired think tanks, strategists and elected officials will fulfill Obama's 2008 campaign promise to "fundamentally" transform this nation, thus bringing the American experiment in liberty to what could be the final curtain.

This is not idle hyperbole. I have just finished Aaron Klein and Brenda J. Elliott's chilling new book, "Fool Me Twice: Obama's Shocking Plans for the Next Four Years Exposed" (WND Books). I recommend it as must-reading for all Americans, but particularly for Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan. In their run for the White House, the GOP standard-bearers don't seem to realize what they are up against - and, by extension, what lies in store for us all if they are not victorious in November.

"Fool Me Twice" is Klein and Elliott's third in-depth political study of Obama. "The Manchurian President" (2010) examines Obama's lifelong ties to anti-American radicals; "Red Army" (2011) explores Obama White House links to the Marx-inspired policy world where, in research papers and "progressive" legislation, the foundations of Obamacare, for example, went unnoticed for years before being passed in 2010.

Having learned to track the left's policymaking subculture, the authors now turn to what an Obama second term likely holds. To this end, they examined thousands of documents, including initiatives from the Center for American Progress, or CAP (the Obama administration's "idea factory," as Time magazine calls it); sundry pieces of legislation introduced by "progressives" in Congress; and both well-known promises and little-known executive orders issued by Obama himself. The book-length result is what Klein describes as "the secret template for Obama's next four years - the one actually created by Obama's own top advisers and strategists."

In meticulous detail, the authors lay out the plans of Obama and his allies to, among other things: reconceive of U.S. defense as a fight against "climate change," national sovereignty and other leftist bogeymen; "green"-ify the U.S. energy industry; open U.S. borders and register illegal aliens who are soon to be given amnesty by Obama (and who overwhelmingly vote Democrat); and, of course, move to a single-payer government health-care system. From the morass of technical jargon and policy wonkdom the authors sift through emerges a terrifyingly sharp image of centralized federal control of practically everything - even political dissent on the airwaves via the so-called Fairness Doctrine.

This not-so-nascent form of totalitarian power is what the 2012 election is all about. Whether they realize it - and they don't - Americans are about to decide whether to empower the increasingly dictatorial executive branch of Barack Hussein Obama, whose future plans to distort "checks and balances" promises to transform the U.S. government out of all recognition, or to break the momentum of government centralization by electing Romney-Ryan.

Most Americans, ill-served by mum media and silent politicians, will be shocked at the executive branch usurpation of powers Klein and Elliott describe as being in the hopper, and always at the expense of the people through the steady attrition of congressional powers. For example, there are plans "to wrest budgetary control from Congress" of Pentagon purse strings and vest them in an "independent panel," and ideas to strip Congress of its powers over immigration by empowering a White House panel to allocate all visas. Other centralizing and, in fact, truly fascist ideas afoot include plans for a federal "green bank," which would use taxpayer dollars to finance "clean" energy companies (such as the notorious and now-bankrupt company Solyndra), as well as a national infrastructure "bank," which, as the authors put it, "would concentrate even more power in Washington while creating a giant cesspool for government cronyism and corruption."

All of which is to say, this election is not merely about jobs or deficit spending or fixing Medicare, as the Romney-Ryan ticket would have us believe. Such blinkers only lull the electorate into complacency and, worse, preserve the Obama machine's politics-as-usual cover.

Election 2012 is anything but politics as usual. It is an existential crisis. For many reasons, I would vote for my dog over Obama-Biden, not least of which is that she always warns me of danger. Romney-Ryan must find the courage and love of country to do the same.

www.wnd.com/2012/08/why-republics-fate-really-does-hang-on-election/


ABOUT YOUR GUEST: Aaron Klein is a New York Times bestselling author, journalist and radio host. He is senior reporter for WND and hosts "Aaron Klein Investigative Radio" on New York's WABC Radio, the nation's largest talk station. Klein's program is one of only two weekend shows in the U.S. to make the Talkers Heavy Hundred official list of top American radio shows. His previous books include Red Army, The Manchurian President, The Late Great State of Israel and Schmoozing with Terrorists.

ABOUT YOUR GUEST: Brenda J. Elliott is an award-winning historian, researcher and New York Times bestselling author. She is the blogger who created RezkoWatch (RW), TheRealBarackObama (RBO) and RBO2. She has appeared on hundreds of radio shows, contributed to numerous investigative articles and publications and is the co-author of Red Army and The Manchurian President.
20 Aug 2012

Braley Highlights Importance of Infrastructure to Iowa's Economy

By Rick Martin
Rides train with business leaders to promote Iowa jobs and partnerships

Fairfax, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today boarded a Union Pacific Train in Fairfax headed to Marshalltown to promote and support enhancements to Iowa's infrastructure. Braley was joined by representatives from Union Pacific and Cargill to discuss the importance infrastructure plays in Iowa's economy.

"Investing in infrastructure is one of the best ways to get Iowa's economy back on track," Braley said. "Iowa businesses rely on strong infrastructure to make sure that goods and services are delivered as promised, whether it's across town or across the country.

 

"By working with businesses in our communities, we are able to create strong partnerships that not only create good jobs for Iowans, but make more substantial improvements to our infrastructure than we ever could working alone."

Braley has been an effective leader in contributing to enhancements in infrastructure. Braley secured the funding to rebuild Waterloo and Cedar Rapids rail bridges after the devastating 2008 floods. These projects were completed through a public-private partnership, which highlights how government and business can successfully work together on projects that impact entire communities, like improving railways, roads, and airports, among others.

Cargill and Union Pacific each have a significant presence in Iowa. Cargill employs 4,095 at 29 locations across Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, that produce and market food products across the world, and depends on strong infrastructure. Union Pacific Corporation is an American rail transportation company covering 23 states across the western two-thirds of the United States.

###
20 Aug 2012

Hands on History: An Interactive Family Tour at Brucemore

By Tara Richards

Bring the whole family on the Hands on History: An Interactive Family Tour of the Brucemore gardens, grounds, and Mansion, September 18 at 6:00 p.m. Participants will learn about the daily lives of children and families in Victorian America while touring the estate, practicing etiquette of the era, and creating a craft project.

Tickets for Brucemore members are $10 per adult and $5 per child or $12 for non-member adults and $7 per child.  Space is limited; purchase tickets by visiting www.brucemore.org or calling (319) 362-7375. Family programming at Brucemore is sponsored by US Bank.

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

 

###
20 Aug 2012

Chefs Create Winning Cheese Dishes in State Fair Velveeta Contest

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/17/2012)(readMedia)-- Cooks celebrated a classic kitchen ingredient in the Kraft Kreations with Velveeta competition judged Wednesday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Norita Solt of Bettendorf won First Place Overall and a $100 Fareway gift card, while Sue Olson of Des Moines took Second Place Overall and a $75 gift card. Third Place Overall and a $50 gift card went to Jamie Buelt of Polk City.

Competitors were challenged to use the cheese in an award-winning entrée, soup or side dish. Entries were judged on taste, best use of Velveeta, appearance and originality.

Additional results below:

Entrée

1) Sue Olson, Des Moines

2) Jessica Cain, Des Moines

3) Kenzie Piper, Waukee

Soup

1) Norita Solt, Bettendorf

2) Dianna Caron-Smith, Winterset

3) Ginger Hartman, Des Moines

Side Dish

1) Jamie Buelt, Polk City

2) Sue Olsen, Des Moines

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

20 Aug 2012

FFA State Fair Horse Show Results

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/17/2012)(readMedia)-- Mikayla Pfab of Granger was named Champion High Point Exhibitor in the FFA Horse Show held Wednesday, August 8, and Thursday, August 9, as part of the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Jane Hoffman of Deloit was Reserve Champion High Point Exhibitor.

Pfab competed with 129 exhibitors from 62 FFA chapters who showed a total of 175 animals.

Complete results below:

DRAFT BREEDS

Aged Horses

1) Kim Blackford, New Virginia

DRAFT SHOWMANSHIP

Draft Showmanship

1) Kim Blackford, New Virginia

2) Ethan Bair, Keswick

HIGH POINT AWARDS

Champion High Point Horse - Mikayla Pfab, Granger

Champion Hight Point Exhibitor - Mikayla Pfab, Granger

Reserve Champion Hight Point Exhibitor - Jane Hoffmann, Deloit

MULE

Aged Mules

1) Arion Schnabel, Sheffield

Champion Mule - Arion Schnabel, Sheffield

OTHER LIGHT HORSE BREEDS

1, 2 and 3-Year-Olds

1) Dustin Bigler, Decorah

Aged Horses

1) Leslie Marvin, Bellevue

2) Rachel Ostrem, Radcliffe

3) Morgan Franzen, Decorah

4) Dalton Frana, Decorah

Broodmares

1) Dustin Bigler, Decorah

Champion Other Light Breed - Leslie Marvin, Bellevue

Reserve Champion Other Light Breed - Dustin Bigler, Decorah

PERFORMANCE

2 to 5-Year-Old Walk/Trot

1) Shania Roush, Newton

2) Caitlin Kuehn, Durant

3) Leah Paulson, Grinnell

4) Russell Seekins, Hudson

5) Tayler Foster, Riverside

Trail

1) Rebecca Ness, Muscatine

2) Kourtney Smith, Cresco

3) Russell Seekins, Hudson

4) Abbey Smith, Adel

5) Micki Dunkin, Bussey

Draft Horse Single Pleasure Driving

1) Kim Blackford, New Virginia

Light Horse/Pony Pleasure Driving

1) Micki Dunkin, Bussey

2) Rachel Ostrem, Radcliffe

Pony Western Pleasure

1) Makayla Johnston, Baxter

2) Larissa Volz, Norway

3) Alexandra Cleverley, Newton

4) Roger Kyte, Eldora

5) Sierra Kubik, Traer

English Pleasure

1) Crystal McGarry, Muscatine

2) Mikayla Pfab, Granger

3) Kim Wilson, Muscatine

4) Amy Turner, Knoxville

5) Meredith Puls, Jewell

English Equitation

1) Jane Hoffmann, Deloit

2) Mikayla Pfab, Granger

3) Britnni Wyma, Malcom

4) Meredith Puls, Jewell

5) Kayla Wyma, Malcom

Hunter Hack

1) Katelyn De Haan, Otley

2) Amy Turner, Knoxville

3) Rachel Ostrem, Radcliffe

4) Katey Havens, Greenfield

5) Jessica Hanrahan, Prole

Heavy Hitch Draft Team

1) Ethan Bair, Keswick

2/3-Year-Old Junior Horse Western Pleasure

1) Mikayla Pfab, Granger

2) Jane Hoffmann, Deloit

3) Caitlin Kuehn, Durant

4) Kaedon Volz, Norway

5) Jessica Hanrahan, Prole

4/5-Year-Old Junior Horse Western Pleasure

1) Derek Heitland, Sheffield

2) Ceara Hudnut, Deep River

3) Bailey Collins, Ames

4) Britnni Wyma, Malcom

5) Deven Heitland, Sheffield

Senior Western Pleasure

1) Kourtney Smith, Cresco

2) Rebecca Ness, Muscatine

3) Kim Wilson, Muscatine

4) Crystal McGarry, Muscatine

5) Meredith Puls, Jewell

Ranch Horse Pleasure

1) Brady Angstman, Dumont

2) Kirk Hatfield, Leon

3) Morgan Quick, Redding

4) Kaedon Volz, Norway

5) Arion Schnabel, Sheffield

Western Equitation

1) Amy Turner, Knoxville

2) Mikayla Pfab, Granger

3) Kourtney Smith, Cresco

4) Jane Hoffmann, Deloit

5) Rebecca Ness, Muscatine

Reining

1) Derek Heitland, Sheffild

2) Amy Turner, Knoxville

3) Katey Havens, Greenfield

4) Shelby Kinman, Clarinda

5) Katelyn De Haan, Otley

Bareback Pleasure

1) Mikayla Pfab, Granger

2) Kim Wilson, Muscatine

3) Ceara Hudnut, Deep River

4) Rebecca Ness, Muscatine

5) Krista McKusker, Marengo

PONY BREEDS

1, 2 and 3-Year-Olds

1) Jane Hoffmann, Deloit

2) Dalton Frana, Decorah

3) Jane Hoffmann, Deloit

4) Jannell Huebbe, Maquoketa

Small Aged Ponies

1) Micki Dunkin, Bussey

2) Jannell Huebbe, Maquoketa

Large Aged Ponies

1) Taylor Jacobs, Runnells

2) Makayla Johnston, Baxter

3) Jane Hoffmann, Deloit

4) Larissa Volz, Norway

5) Amy Turner, Knoxville

Champion Pony Breed - Jane Hoffmann, Deloit

Reserve Champion Pony Breed - Makayla Johnston, Baxter

SHOWING

Showmanship

1) Taylor Jacobs, Runnells

2) Kim Wilson, Muscatine

3) Amy Turner, Knoxville

4) Brittany Nicholson, Ellsworth

5) Rebecca Ness, Muscatine

SPEED EVENTS

Barrel Racing

1) Morgan Quick, Redding

2) Madison Waldo, Whittemore

3) Adam Drain, Danville

4) Jannell Huebbe, Maquoketa

5) Hunter McCullough, Knoxville

Flag Race

1) Adam Drain, Danville

2) Hunter McCullough, Knoxville

3) Victoria Eckley, Hedrick

4) Jessica Hanrahan, Prole

5) Russell Seekins, Hudson

Pole Bending

1) Adam Drain, Danville

2) Jannell Huebbe, Maquoketa

3) Kelsey Knoblock, Larchwood

4) Jessica Hanrahan, Prole

5) Emma Pullen, Clarinda

WESTERN-TYPE HORSES

1-Year-Olds

1) Madison Wood, Rudd

2) Kim Wilson, Muscatine

3) Katey Havens, Greenfield

2-Year-Olds

1) Larissa Volz, Norway

2) Caitlin Kuehn, Durant

3) Liz Beatty, Creston

4) Ashtyn Dove, Dike

5) Shelby Keyes, Van Wert

3-Year-Olds

1) Danielle Nemmers, Earlham

2) Kaedon Volz, Norway

3) Mikayla Pfab, Granger

4) Jessica Hanrahan, Prole

5) Shania Roush, Newton

Aged Mares

1) Madison Wood, Rudd

2) Katelyn De Haan, Otley

3) Amy Turner, Knoxville

4) Lauren Stewart, Marengo

5) Danielle Fulsaas, Decorah

Aged Geldings

1) None Awarded

2 tie) Taylor Springer, Iowa Falls

2 tie) Kim Wilson, Muscatine

3) Katey Havens, Greenfield

4) Julie Long, Belle Plaine

5) Rebecca Ness, Muscatine

Champion Western - Madison Wood, Rudd

Reserve Champion Western - Taylor Springer, Iowa Falls

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

20 Aug 2012

Science on TV Boosting U.S. Fascination with Space, Spirituality

By Ginny Grimsley
Expert Points to Science-Validated Answers in Ancient Texts

Thanks to popular documentaries and programs like "Fearless Planet" and "Through the Wormhole" on TV's Discovery and Science Channel, studying the universe is no longer reserved for academicians in lecture halls.

"Because filmmakers and producers have made it entertaining and present science in language everyone can understand, there's an increased interest in the genesis of the universe, and its future," says Sanjay C. Patel, (www.SanjayCPatel.com), author of God Is Real, a book that explores similarities between modern science and ancient cosmology.

What many people don't realize, says Patel, is that ancient Indian yogis, Israelites and early Christians all agreed on the origins of life and the universe. Moreover, new studies indicate many of their ancient beliefs correspond with the findings of modern science
For instance, the scientific age of the universe is 13.7 billion years old, says Patel. When comparing this age to the Bible, if it is divided into six equal days spanning 2.28 billion years each, biblical Genesis's timeline across all seven "days" suddenly corresponds with past and future episodes in our galaxy and Earth. In total, 21 major correspondences emerge.

One among them is the following timeline:

• Science says: the Sun and moon formed about 4.6 to 4.5 billion years ago.

• Bible says: On Day 4 - "God made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night." This would be 4.56 billion years ago. (2 days or eons ago since we are currently at the beginning of day 7.)

Other interesting correspondences:

• Science says: Volcanic fire scorched India about 118 million years ago. Nearby oceanic volcanoes submerged about 100 million years ago. These submarine volcanoes suck in seawater through cracks and pores and remove salt from the water. They then expel the desalinated water back into the ocean through hydrothermal vents.

• Ancient Yogis said: Volcanic fire scorched India about 120 million years ago. Related volcanoes in the ocean south of India submerged about 117 million years ago. "The submarine Fire exists in the ocean. It drinks the seawater and removes its saltiness. It then expels the desalinated water from another opening."

For those who believe 2012 marks an end - be it because of the Mayan Long Calendar's end or some other prophecy - Patel offers this far-future convergence:

• Science says: In about 2 billion years time, Earth will be so hot there will be no life on it. Volcanism will be common and the planet's surface will be scorched by the fire of lava and sulfur.

• Ancient Yogis said: In about 2.35 billion years time, there will be no life on Earth due to volcanic fire.

• Bible says: in about 2.28 billion years - by the end of day 7 - life on Earth will end in volcanic fire and brimstone (sulfur).

Patel has found 121 points of agreement across 30 years of analysis and research based on expert translations of yoga literature dating back to 1500 B.C., biblical texts which date back to about 1000 B.C., and translations of the Talmud - an equally ancient biblical tradition.

"So many correspondences cannot be coincidence," says Patel, whose research has appeared in peer-reviewed scientific journals, including Marine Scientist in the United Kingdom.

About Sanjay C. Patel

Sanjay C. Patel studied theology, Sanskrit, ancient cosmology, advanced yoga and meditation techniques, among many other subjects, earning a degree in Divinity at the BAPS Swaminarayan Ashram in India. He continued studies of modern science and ancient spiritual texts for 30 years. His discoveries regarding the convergence of science and ancient texts were published in mainstream science journals and presented at the 22nd International Congress of History of Science in Beijing.

20 Aug 2012

Gilda's Club Diamonds and Divas event takes a "gamble".

By Rick Martin

IA/IL QUAD-CITIES- This would have been the eighth year for the Diamonds & Divas event benefitting Gilda's Club but this year the event committee is rolling the dice with a new event - Gilda's Club Casino Night.

"The secret of having a longstanding, successful event is knowing when you need to change it up a little," said Rosemary Ocar, Davenport, Chair of the Casino Night Committee. "We are excited to have an event where men can attend and much like our former Divas event we're still glamorous and glitzy incorporating the fun and feel of Vegas; all for a good cause."

Gilda's Club Quad Cities provides programs free of charge to men, women, and children affected by cancer. Gilda's Club does not receive federal or state funding. It is funded through the caring people of the community.

The new Casino Night event will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday, September 28 th, 2012, at Jumer's Casino and Hotel, 777 Jumer Drive, Rock Island, IL, 61201. The cost is $55 per person, $100 per couple.

Blackjack, poker, live and silent auction, Vegas style entertainment, showgirls and much more will make this evening one you won't forget.

"I think our loyal Diva audience will have a great time at our new event and we're only increasing awareness and funds by inviting the men of the Quad Cities to join us," said Michele Stoos, Corporate Communications and Brand Manager of The Sedona Group and one of the event's organizers.

To register for the event, contact Paige Nagle of Gilda's Club Quad Cities at (563) 326-7504 or by email, Paige@gildasclubqc.org.

###

20 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action Thursday, August 16, 2012

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - August 16, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 3969

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits

Changes the entity responsible for paying the difference in annuity attributable to a former General Assembly Retirement System (GARS) participant's higher final average salary if the employee works for a reciprocal employer for less than two years after ending participation in GARS; allows individuals who became GARS participants prior to Aug. 22, 1994 to make themselves subject to the final average salary limitations that took effect for new GARS participants on that date.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.:  HB 4996

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits

Creates a return to work policy for State University Retirement System (SURS) affected annuitants and requires employers to make contributions to SURS for the retirement annuities of affected annuitants.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5337

An Act Concerning: State Government

Amends the State Comptroller Act by requiring itemized vouchers under $5 to be processed electronically.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 180

An Act Concerning: Government

Includes circuit court clerks among entities that can apply to the comptroller for the offset of claims.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 679

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Allows individuals previously diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders to remain eligible for insurance coverage even if diagnostic criteria are changed in the future.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

 

Bill No.: SB 3629

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits

Amends the Illinois Pension Code to align the fiscal year of the Chicago Park District pension fund with the fiscal year of the Chicago Park District.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

###
20 Aug 2012

Loebsack Announces More Than $124,000 to Support Families in Need

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that five Iowa counties will receive a total of more than $124,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)  Counties receiving the grants include Appanoose, Des Moines, Johnson, Scott, and Wapello.  This funding will help Iowa's social service agencies feed and shelter those who are hungry and homeless.  EFSP funds are used to supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage, and utility assistance programs for people with non-disaster related emergencies.

"Far too many Iowans are trying to get back on their feet, and many still find themselves in need during these difficult times," said Loebsack.  "It is important to assist those who are struggling, and this funding will better equip our local social service agencies to do so."

Details of the funding are below:

  • Appanoose County       $4,236
  • Des Moines County      $14,232
  • Johnson County            $33,106
  • Scott County                $59,087
  • Wapello County           $13,520
###

Pages

more

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.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar