07 Aug 2012

Grassley wants answers from Napolitano about chemical facility security program

By Grassley Press

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley has asked Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano about allegations of mismanagement and spending abuse by the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program (CFATS).

"Serious claims have been made about the operation of this program," said Grassley.  "The Secretary said earlier this year that things had been fixed, but that doesn't appear to be the case.  If the allegations are true, there's been a systemic failure of this security program and nearly $500 million has been wasted."

The CFATS program was created in 2007 to determine risk factors for chemical facilities and mandate and assess security plans for high-risk facilities.

Grassley asked Napolitano about the program in April, following a report that said problems within CFATS were so severe they posed a measureable risk to the program, when she appeared before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

Since then, a whistleblower has provided more details about the Department of Homeland Security's management of the program, including allegations that CFATS assigned employees to non-existent field offices, allowing employees to work from home while claiming on paper to be located in phantom CFATS field offices.  Grassley said one byproduct of this was that employees often lived in low locality-pay areas while claiming duty stations in high locality-pay areas and receiving higher pay, as a result.

Allegations also included routine procurement by CFATS of tactical and field equipment for which the program had no use.  In addition, a high level official in the Department of Homeland Security allegedly refused to report information about the abuses to the Inspector General.

In a July 30, 2012, letter to Napolitano, Grassley asked for detailed information about the program.  He asked for a response by Monday, August 13.  Click here to read the letter.


07 Aug 2012

Obama to travel to Iowa

By Obama for America

DES MOINES - Obama for America announced today that President Obama will take a three-day tour of Iowa next week. On Monday, August 13, the President will travel to Council Bluffs, and Boone for campaign events. On Tuesday, August 14, he will hold campaign events in Oskaloosa, Marshalltown and Waterloo. On Wednesday, August 15, First Lady Michelle Obama will join President Obama for campaign events in Dubuque and Davenport.

Additional details on the President's campaign events are forthcoming.
07 Aug 2012

Free Admission and Healthy Activities Kick Off Iowa State Fair Opening Day

By Rick Martin

DES MOINES, IA (08/07/2012)(readMedia)-- WHAT: Fairgoers can take part in healthy activities and free admission on the Fair's opening day. A coupon featured in the August 5 Des Moines Sunday Register or the Wednesday, August 8 Des Moines Register full page Hy-Vee ad is required for free admission 6- 9 a.m. WHO Radio's Van and Bonnie will broadcast their show live from the Grand Concourse. Healthiest State Initiative activities will be ongoing between 6 a.m. and

8 a.m. Opening ceremonies will begin at 8 a.m., followed by Iowa's Largest ZUMBA® class. ZUMBA® is a Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness program. Other activities will include yoga by Hy-Vee Fitness, healthy breakfast demonstration by a Hy-Vee Chef, Fuel Up to Play 60 Kid Demo by the Dairy Council, ZUMBA® warm-up with Hy-Vee Triathlon, Iowa Senior Olympians, as well as giveaways and prizes.

WHEN: 6 - 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9

WHERE: Iowa State Fairgrounds

Grand Concourse in front of The Des Moines Register Service Center

East 30th and East University, Des Moines

WHO: Iowa State Fair

Healthiest State Initiative www.IowaHealthiestState.com

Hy-Vee, Inc. www.Hy-Vee.com

07 Aug 2012

20 More QC Students Awarded Back-to-School Shopping Sprees

By Holly Nomura
07 Aug 2012

Congressman DaveLoebsack to Visit Davenport Nursing Home to See First-Hand the Value of SNFCare in Aiding Seniors' Rehabilitation

By Joe Hand

Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) will visit a local Davenport skilled nursing facility (SNF) this Wednesday to meet with patients, residents, family members and staff to discuss how and why nursing home care is vital to local seniors' rehabilitative care, important to the local jobs base, and an essential part of the equation to help bring about efficiencies in federal health care spending.

Representatives from the Iowa SNF community will detail how facilities across the state are evolving to meet the growing needs of an increasingly diverse, rehabilitation-oriented patient population and how Medicare and Medicaid payment policies are impacting post-acute and long term care for the state's elderly and disabled.

WHO:                           Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA)

Kim Hufsey, Facility Administrator

 

WHERE:                         ManorCare Health Services -Utica Ridge

3800 Commerce Blvd.

Davenport, IA 52807

563-344-2000

 

WHEN:                          Wednesday, August 8, 2012

10:15 - 11:00 a.m.

07 Aug 2012

Has Your Teenager Given Up Finding a Job?

By Ginny Grimsley
Money Expert Offers Productive Alternatives

As we mature through our teenage years, one of our first major steps into adulthood is working that first job.

"A first-time job may be awkward and an all-around rude awakening for many, but the accompanying lessons of responsibility and perseverance are absolutely vital," says financial expert Mark Hansen, author of Success 101 for Teens (www.7habitsandtraits.com). "Also, we get our first taste of earned money - how to spend it, and the value of budgeting it for larger purchases."

But this summer continues a trend in recent years: there simply are not enough jobs to go around during this rough economy. The 2011 summer employment average - peak season for those aged 16 to 24 - was only 48.8 percent for young people, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's the lowest percentage since the Bureau began collecting such data, in 1948.

This year, so far, the rate is virtually the same, and many young people have simply given up their job search.

"This is a potentially devastating trend with long-lasting consequences," says Hansen, whose adult life has been largely defined by his response to the obstacles he overcame after being hit by a car as a child.

"We know the negative effects experienced by adults who go without a job for long periods, but unemployment can be worse for teens. Think about idleness, an increased risk of juvenile delinquency, undeveloped or atrophied technical and social skills and, of course, a lack of money."

Just because there are fewer jobs, however, doesn't mean young people are powerless to improve their situation. Hansen offers alternatives for self-motivated teens:

• Untapped markets are everywhere: It may be true that the once low-hanging fruit, such as fast-food positions, are being taken by adults, but a teen's job search needn't end there. Today's young people have a distinct advantage over older folks - they were raised on computers, which may include knowledge of graphics software, sound and video programs and much more. These skills may be parlayed to help market events for neighbors, family members or a small business.

• Good, old-fashioned manual labor: Computers and related skills have changed the world, but a smartphone is not going to cut a neighbor's grass, clean his garage or move his furniture. Consider offering a competitive price for these tasks; neighbors are often sympathetic to young people looking to make an honest dollar.

• Volunteer your time: Nowadays, high school students receive credit for dedicated volunteer hours, which are routinely applied to scholarship efforts. Beyond the expectation of a corollary reward, youth are more than ever attuned to the innate sense of satisfaction gained from helping others. Several studies have shown that people are rewarded with a sense of purpose and well-being while helping others, according to the American Psychological Association.

• Beefed-up allowance for added chores: Parents are busier than ever these days, which often mean chores around the house suffer. While most may not be able to afford the kind of wage a teen could earn at McDonalds, an increase in allowance can nevertheless motivate a teen who needs spending money.

About Mark Hansen

A successful businessman, a former Palm Beach County, Fla., elected school board member and motivational speaker, Mark has dedicated his life to helping young people overcome obstacles and deal with the challenges of daily living. Struck by a car and nearly killed as a child, Mark fought back through positive actions and reactions to all that he had to overcome. As a result, he relates to teens in a very special way.  Through books such as, "Success 101 for Teens: Dollars and Sense for a Winning Financial Life," and seminars, Mark Hansen is driven to make an impact on teens and young adults and to empower them to rise above and triumph over life's obstacles.

07 Aug 2012

Pass the Farm Bill

By Amanda Bowman

by Bruce Braley

Two weeks ago, I visited with two farmers from Palo, Iowa, Gary and Vicki Owens, to see their farm and the drought conditions affecting their crops and crops across Iowa. I saw the dry ground and struggling corn and soybeans that the family is hoping will be able to survive the relentless heat and dry weather. Gary and Vicki told me how concerned they are that the lack of rain in July will doom their harvest this fall.  Despite the difficult summer, the Owens remain hopeful that wetter and cooler weather will grace their fields soon.

The drought is bad enough.  But adding to the uncertainty is a hardening political stalemate in Congress over the 2012 Farm Bill.  The current Farm Bill is set to expire on September 30th - along with modern crop insurance programs, disaster relief, conservation programs, nutrition programs and more -- unless a new bill is signed into law.  Some disaster assistance programs have already expired, adding insult to injury for many agricultural producers just in time for the drought.

And the hits keep coming.  The House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm Bill more than three weeks ago in a bipartisan vote - a critical test of support for the bill - but leaders have continued to block the full House from voting on the bill.  Then, this week, House leaders pulled a one-year Farm Bill extension, preventing a vote on that.  In a final coup de grace, despite members voting against adjournment, leaders sent Congress home for a month-long recess on Thursday, leaving the Farm Bill unresolved and the clock running out before its September 30th expiration date.

Here's what I can't figure out.  What exactly is Congress taking a vacation from?  Any Iowan who's worked a day in their life knows that to get time off, you actually have to put time in.  Congress certainly hasn't done much of anything this year.  Farmers don't get a vacation from the drought, and Congress shouldn't get one either.

Political gridlock over the Farm Bill strikes me as incredibly childish.  There are real folks back home hurting, but Congress can't get beyond petty feuds and personal differences.

Congress needs to grow up, act like adults, and get the job done on the Farm Bill.

There are members of both political parties out there who agree that producers need the financial stability and protections provided in the Farm Bill.  Farm families and agricultural producers in Iowa certainly agree.

Maybe I'm an optimist, but I think that if allowed to cast a vote on the Farm Bill, a majority of the House would support it.  It's the political games of leaders looking to score the most insignificant of political points against their opponents that is standing in the way.

So, I've launched an effort that could short-circuit the political games.  If a simple majority of representatives sign on to a petition I'm circulating, the Farm Bill must immediately come up for a vote before the House.  And I've been encouraged by the early positive response - I'm working with two Republicans (Rick Berg of North Dakota and Chris Gibson of New York) and a Democrat (Peter Welch of Vermont) to recruit signers.

It's a drastic step and maybe a long shot , but we need to do everything we possibly can to help Iowa farmers through the worsening drought.  And the best way to help right now is to give farmers the certainty that the Farm Bill will bring.

The Farm Bill deserves a vote, not the obstruction that's become all too typical of Washington. Folks like Gary and Vicki Owens are depending on it.

07 Aug 2012

Nick Teddy Foundation Announces Major Sponsors for Sept. 5k

By Holly Larson

EXELON GENERATION SPONSORS LOCAL 5K, GIVES THOUSANDS IN SUPPORT

PORT BYRON, IL - The Nick Teddy Foundation, in partnership with Nelson Chiropractic, is pleased to announce an additional sponsor of "Nick Teddy Fight Against Ewing's Sarcoma 5K."

Platinum Sponsor Exelon Generation is one of the largest employers in the Quad Cities area. It has provided the Nick Teddy Foundation with a significant financial contribution to help make the foundation's first 5k a success.

29-year old Port Byron native Nick Strub fought a courageous battle against Ewing's Sarcoma for more than 5-years. Nick's dad, Brian, is a retired employee of Exelon Generation.

"The Strubs are a long time part of the Exelon Generation family," said Bill Stoermer, spokesperson from the Quad Cities Generating Station. "It's very important for us to help the Strub family honor the legacy of their son in his hometown."

"Exelon recognizes the importance of helping communities thrive, and the Nick Teddy Foundation's mission fits Exelon's outreach goals," Stoermer added.

The "Nick Teddy Fight Against Ewing's Sarcoma 5k" will take place on Sept. 15, 2012, beginning at 9:00 AM, and offers a fun day for hundreds of participants and their families.

More information, including Exelon's sponsorship of the "Nick Teddy Fight Against Ewing's Sarcoma 5k," can be found online at: http://www.NickTeddy.org,

Quad City Times on board, too

The Quad-City Times reports on top news stories and current events from Iowa, Illinois and the Quad-Cities. The Nick Teddy Foundation is pleased to have the Quad-City Times' support as a Platinum Sponsor of the foundation's first 5k.

on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/NickTeddyOrg);

on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/NickTeddyOrg).

 

###

07 Aug 2012

Genesis Is Building Physical Therapy And Sports Rehabilitation Facility

By Craig Cooper
DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Aug. 7, 2012 -- Genesis Health System and development partner Build To Suit, Bettendorf, have broken ground for a 10,500-square foot building that will house the Genesis Center for Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation at Eastern Avenue and 53rd Street.

Treatment options new to the region will include underwater and anti-gravity treadmills to expedite recovery after surgery or injury.

"This facility will have features unlike any now available in the region for recovery from injury or surgery,'' said Doug Boleyn, outpatient rehabilitation services director, Genesis Health System. "We will also have an emphasis on recovery of athletes or anyone who has suffered an injury while participating in sports.''

The underwater treadmill allows individuals to maximize their recovery potential by returning to functional training, such as walking, running and swimming much earlier in their recovery process and, with significantly less pain. Having the ability to adjust water temperature will allow for muscle relaxation and reduction of joint stiffness with warm temperatures and swelling control with cooler temperatures.

The underwater treadmill will be equipped with video analysis. Swimmers will be able to swim against resistance and runners will be able to train while having mechanics videotaped to decrease the possibility of future injuries and maximize performance.

An anti-gravity treadmill, developed by NASA, uses air pressure in a chamber to gently lift the user and is used primarily for rehabilitation of lower extremity injuries and athletic training.

The facility will have higher ceiling height, a pitching mound, golf net, running lanes and a lounge called the Chill Zone for cool down after workouts. The features will allow athletes greater opportunity for a quicker return to competitive athletics. Sports-specific training will be available.

The Genesis Rehabilitation staff will continue to provide one-on-one individualized care for both acute and chronic pain. Services include treatment for muscle, bone and joint pain, return to work training, pre- and post-operative recovery, balance/dizziness dysfunctions and TMJ/headache pain. A certified hand specialist will continue to restore maximal upper extremity function regardless of the degree of the injury.

Paul Boffeli, vice president and project manager for Built To Suit, said he believes the Genesis facility could stimulate additional development in the area.

"There is a lot of opportunity for additional development on 53rd Street and Eastern Avenue. So far, commercial development has been limited, but we think this project may open the area to other projects,'' Boffeli said.

The building is scheduled to be completed by Jan. 1.

###
07 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Pro-Jobs Law to Extend Illinois Enterprise Zone Program

By Erin Wilson

Law Provides Businesses with Greater Certainty, Will Boost Economic Development Across Illinois

CHICAGO - August 7, 2012. As part of his agenda to grow jobs and increase economic development across Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law to extend the Illinois Enterprise Zone program, a state and local partnership to encourage economic growth across the state. Senate Bill 3616 will create greater long-term stability for businesses, attract more investment in Illinois and protect the interests of taxpayers. The new law provides for a 25-year extension of the program, which creates a process for existing communities with zones and new communities to apply for the designation

"We want our businesses to invest, grow and put more Illinois residents to work," Governor Quinn said. "This new law provides employers with the long-term certainty they need to grow, and strengthens oversight standards to ensure accountability from businesses that participate in the program."

The new law makes three major changes to the state's Enterprise Zone program:

  • Extends the sunset of the Illinois Enterprise Zone program 

The law extends the Enterprise Zone Program for 25 years, and creates a process for existing communities with zones and new communities to apply for the designation. Under the new procedure, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will accept and review all applications to determine if they meet three of 10 criteria to be certified as a zone, which includes unemployment rate, infrastructure, plant closure/job loss, education, poverty rates, and high commercial and industrial vacancy.

  • Creates an Enterprise Zone Board
    The Enterprise Zone Board will approve or deny enterprise zone applications certified and scored by DCEO. The board will consist of five members: the director of DCEO, or his or her designee, who shall serve as chairperson; the director of the Department of Revenue, or his or her designee; and three members appointed by the Governor.
  • Increases reporting requirements of companies receiving tax benefits from the Enterprise Zone and High Impact Business programs

The law increases accountability by requiring that any business receiving tax incentives due to its location within an enterprise zone or its designation as a High Impact Business must annually report the total Enterprise Zone or High Impact Business tax benefits received. The report must be broken down by incentive category and enterprise zone, to the Department of Revenue. Failure to report data shall result in ineligibility to receive incentives.

SB3616, sponsored by Sen. Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) and Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion), passed the General Assembly unanimously and was supported by many in the business community, including the Illinois Municipal League, Caterpillar, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Manufacturers Association. The new law renews the Illinois Enterprise Zone program, which is one of the state's most vital economic tools. During its history, 42,543 businesses have invested in enterprise zones. Businesses located in enterprise zones have created 354,762 jobs and retained 536,562 jobs. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 43 states, including Illinois, have enterprise zone programs under a variety of different program names.

"By helping our communities become enterprise zones, we are giving them a leg up on the competition in drawing companies to their areas, " said Rep. Bradley. "I would like to thank Governor Quinn for signing this law to help bring businesses to every corner of Illinois."

"The Illinois enterprise zone program is a vital tool for growing jobs and attracting investment in Illinois. We applaud Governor Quinn and the General Assembly for taking action and sending a positive message to the business community," said Greg Baise, president & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, a statewide business group representing nearly 4,000 companies. "Enacting a long-term extension of this successful program is another step in making Illinois a good place to do business and providing stability for employers." 

"As economic developers, we compete every day for jobs and investment with locations throughout the country and around the world and the Illinois Enterprise Zone program has kept us in the game for nearly 30 years," said Craig Coil, president of the Illinois Enterprise Zone Association and the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County. "By passing and signing this bill, Governor Quinn and the General Assembly have helped all of us who are involved in economic development in Illinois and the communities we represent remain competitive for the foreseeable future."

"We are listening to what companies say they need to thrive," said David Vaught, acting director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. "They tell us that the Illinois Enterprise Zone program is one of the most effective economic development tools in the state's tool box. By extending the program for 25 years, companies have a predictable environment in which they can create jobs and fuel economic growth."

SB 3616 is effective immediately. The Governor will make stops today in Chicago, Rockford, Quad Cities, Peoria, Decatur and Mount Vernon to highlight the new law that will boost economic growth in communities across Illinois.

For more information on why Illinois is the right place for business, visit http://illinoisbiz.biz.

 

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