CHICAGO, ILL - Yesterday, President Obama stated his plans to fix the "broken immigration" process here in the United States, calling for "commonsense" immigration reform. While we applaud the bipartisan efforts by our U.S. Senators and the President, the concern is that special interests will prevail and Congress will veto the legislation.


In response, GAMALIEL'S Executive Director Ana Garcia-Ashley and Salvadore C. Cerna, President of Civil Rights for Immigrants, have issued the following statement:

"As former immigrants, in a nation built by immigrants, we are inspired to hear our President reveal his core principles for immigration reform that will pave the way to legal citizenship for 11 million people who currently live in the shadows of American life, but we welcome the announcement with circumspection and watchfulness.

 

After all, it has been more than ten years waiting for this news to arrive. Now that it is finally here, it seems surreal because it has been a decade of immigrant bashing, political jargon, broken promises and shredded dreams.

 

As the process moves forward, we will look to President Obama for true leadership, and to our Congress to repair a wrong that is way overdue. We need immigration reform that places working individuals, as well as families first; one that will preserve human dignity, protect civil rights and accomplish legal citizenship in a timely and just manner.    

Time and time again, independent polls show that the public, by and large, supports comprehensive immigration reform that holds employers accountable, stops the exploitation of the vulnerable and pays a living wage. We want Congress to take note that their efforts will be monitored closely by GAMALIEL and others like us.

 

To this end, GAMALIEL will kick off its "Dream For All" campaign on February 6, 2013 in dozens of cities around the country.  Together, GAMALIEL, community leaders, elected officials and clergy will gather to speak out in support of comprehensive reform now.  We will remain vigilant and demand a comprehensive, legal and fair process conducted in a timely manner."

 

God Bless,

 

Ana Garcia-Ashley                                Salvadore C. Cerna

Executive Director                                President of Civil Rights for Immigrants

Gamaliel                       Gamaliel

Gamaliel is a national network of non-partisan, faith-based organizations in 17 U.S. states, South Africa and the United Kingdom that organizes to empower ordinary people to effectively participate in the political, environmental, social and economic decisions affecting their lives. Gamaliel's diverse members apply their faith and values to the pursuit of equal opportunity for all, shared abundance, and stronger, more prosperous communities. Gamaliel is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

CHICAGO - January 29, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today welcomed the call by President Barack Obama to take immediate action on immigration reform in America:

"Immigration reform in our nation is long overdue, and I applaud President Obama for his comprehensive plan to fix our broken immigration system. This plan will strengthen border security while providing a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Most importantly, it will keep families together.

"I am proud that Illinois is leading the nation when it comes to welcoming all people. Just this week, I signed a bill to improve traffic safety and ensure that undocumented immigrants in Illinois will be able to be properly licensed to drive. I also fought for the Illinois Dream Act, a historic law that is opening up education opportunities that will help Illinois children pursue their dreams.

"We must always ensure that everybody is in and nobody is left out."

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FAYETTE, IA (01/29/2013)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University names its 2012 Fall Dean's List. To be honored, the undergraduate must have earned a minimum 3.50 GPA for the semester and be enrolled as a full-time student.

Shaun Eberhart, of Charlotte, IA

Haylie Franklin, of Muscatine, IA

Gary Mayfield, of Davenport, IA

Stephanie Ries, of Clinton, IA

Colbey Vance, of Port Byron, IL

Bridget Barrette, of DeWitt, IA

Shawn Cotton, of LeClaire, IA

Jann Hebrank, of Park View, IA

William Stellmach, of Davenport, IA

Christian Wirth, of Bettendorf, IA

Ericka Carpenter, of Wheatland, IA

Pamela Frost, of Delmar, IA

Jessica Buntemeyer, of Davenport, IA

Tiffany Jones, of Davenport, IA

Alyssa Lenning, of Davenport, IA

Brittany McCubbin, of Davenport, IA

Celia Porth, of DeWitt, IA

Prakash Sapkota, of Davenport, IA

Kathryn Troendle, of Bettendorf, IA

Richard Troendle, of Bettendorf, IA

James Yackley, of Devenport, IA

Leann Zinn, of Davenport, IA

For more information about Upper Iowa University, go to www.uiu.edu.

About Upper Iowa University

Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to about 6,200 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

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SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING

City of Davenport, Iowa

Wednesday, January 30, 2013; 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers

I. Moment of Silence

II. Pledge of Allegiance - Ald. Ambrose

III. Roll Call

IV. Discussion Agenda

1. Motion to direct the Council Negotiating Team on casino developer/operator negotiations as follows:

A. Enter into negotiations with Ingenus/FDP on a development agreement for further Council consideration:

Within the Ingenus/FDP negotiation, optimize deal points including:

i. Determine whether some other existing downtown property owner could more cost effectively deliver a small scale gaming parlor (approximately 10% the size of the Interstate casino)

ii. Conduct a cost/benefit analysis of multiple I-80 locations.

iii. Revised Interstate design.

B. Engage the DCIC to conduct intensive due diligence on Ingenus management team, and review management and operator options otherwise available, to determine the optimal scope of services and necessary fees.

C. Solicit competitive financing agreements with local financial institutions, as a potential source of capital to use in part, or in while, in lieu of issuing bonds.

D. Provide a report to the City Council on the status of negotiations not later than February 20, 2013.

2. Motion to direct the Council Negotiating Team on casino developer/operator negotiations as follows:

A. Enter into negotiations with both RSL and Ingenus/FDP on development agreements for further Council consideration.
Within the Ingenus/FDP negotiation, optimized deal points including:

i. Determine whether RSL, Atrium Holdings or some other existing downtown property owner could more cost effectively deliver a small scale gaming parlor (approximately 10% the size of the Interstate casino) than the proposed Ingenus/FDP new construction
downtown facility.

ii. Conduct a cost/benefit analysis of multiple I-80 locations.

iii. Revised Interstate design.

Within the RSL negotiation, optimize deal points including:

i. Provision of annual cash flow instead of equity.

ii. Provision of food, beverage and hotel accommodations for casino patrons at costs customary to casino operators.

B. Engage the DCIC to conduct intensive due diligence on management teams presented in both proposals, and otherwise available, to determine the optimal scope of services and necessary fees.

C. Solicit competitive financing agreements with local financial institutions, as a potential source of capital to use in part, or in whole, in lieu of issuing bonds.

D. Provide a report to the City Council on the status of negotiations not later than February 20, 2013.

VI. Public Comment

PLEASE NOTE: At this time individuals may step to the podium and upon giving your NAME and ADDRESS you may address the City Council. There is a five (5) minute time limit. Please end your comments promptly.

VII. Adjourn

CHICAGO - January 29, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 4177

An Act Concerning: Government

Allows home care and home health workers to become state employees for the purposes of collective bargaining.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5019

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Extends the sunset date of the Making Home Affordable Program to Jan. 1, 2014 and clarifies the effective dates of previous amendments to the Residential Mortgage License Act of 1987, the High Risk Home Loan Act and the Interest Act.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

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Meet local author Katie Ganshert at a Quad Cities upcoming local book signing event, celebrating her second novel Wishing on Willows (Waterbrook Press, March 19, 2013) that continues the story in her debut novel Wildflowers from Winter.

The story of Robin Price as she deals with a three-year old son, a struggling café, and fading memories of her late husband, where Ganshert explores if second chances at life and love always involve surrender?

Meet Ganshert at one, or both, book signing events!

 

Saturday, March 23, 2013

1:00-3:00 PM

Books-A-Million

4000 East 53rd St

Davenport, Iowa 52807

Phone: 563.355.0705

 

Friday, April 5, 2013

6:30-8:00 PM

Dunn Brothers,

787 Middle Rd

Bettendorf, IA 52722

Phone: 563.345.6099

 

Although fiction, the real-life topics addressed by Ganshert provides readers thought provoking situations such as single-parenting, second chances and surrendering personal plans for God's plans.

Through Ganshert's skillful writing, readers are able explore their own life choices and concerns as they journey with the characters through their own situations.

Faith Lutheran Church, Moline, is hosting a "Benefit for 4 Sisters" trivia night on Friday at the church, 1611 41st St., Moline. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the games begin at 7 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. To reserve a table, please call (309) 797-1981. Walk-ins are also welcome. People can bring snacks or buy them at the event.

The "four 'sisters in Christ" at Faith Lutheran knew they could face serious illnesses on their own, but fellow parishioners wanted to lend them a hand.

City of Davenport Cable Commission

Commission Meeting

Saturday, February 2, 2013

City Hall

Civil Rights Conference Room - 1ST Floor

226 W. 4TH Street

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Meeting Agenda

Discussion Topics

1. Summary of Public Access Seminar

2. Public Access Status Letter - Mediacom Response

3. Update of QCPATV Proposal Status

4. Finalize and Approve Annual Report to City Council

5. Set Potential Meeting Schedule

6. Other Business

Public Comments

Adjourn

Since 2009, government funding to non-profit organizations that provide human services has been in steady decline, forcing these service organizations to change much of their funding strategies or face a reduction in their ability to provide critical services to their communities. Competition amongst non-profits for the "donated" dollar is extreme: How can an individual not-for profit make itself standout from the crowd to garner more support and exposure plus increase donor dollars?

Known for their "outside the box" fundraising programs, senior center CASI (Center for Active Seniors, Inc.) in Davenport, Iowa, has" brewed" the prefect fundraising plan.

CASI has teamed up with a regional microbrewery, Great River Brewery, to create a new beer dedicated to seniors and senior services. The results: Owney Irish Red Ale. Owney, an old Irish name for "elderly" is being released in retail locations throughout the Quad Cities the week of February 4th.

Proceeds from the sale of Owney Irish Red Ale will be used by CASI to fund services for seniors in the Quad City community. Additionally, distributors Vanguard Distributing Co. and Stern Beverages are providing marketing materials used to promote awareness of CASI's programs and services.

Then on March 9, a formal tapping event is planned at Great River Brewery (332 E 2nd St., Davenport) beginning at 1:00 p.m. Area senior centers and the general public are invited to join in the festivities. Food will be provided by The Fountains Senior Living Community of Bettendorf.

We all have a senior in our life that needs our help. So toast CASI with a pint of Owney and support our senior services!

Founded in 1973, CASI is a multi-service nationally accredited senior center providing a variety of social, educational, support and wellness programs and activities designed for adults over the age of 60 and their families/caregivers.

- END -

CHICAGO - January 29, 2013. On behalf of everyone in his home state of Illinois, I congratulate Ray LaHood today for his outstanding service to our nation as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Standing alongside President Barack Obama, Secretary LaHood helped lead our nation through one of the most challenging times in history. Throughout his long career of service to the people of our state and nation, Ray LaHood has combined an unmatched ethic of public service with a strong vision to ensure our nation's prosperity in the 21st Century.

As U.S. Secretary of Transportation, LaHood looked to the future. He realized the importance of implementing sustainable practices to strengthen our country's infrastructure, helping the United States remain the best place to do business while making sure families can easily connect with each other across states and regions. He made unprecedented improvements in safety on our roadways, railways, transit systems and in our skies.

During the worst recession since the Depression, he provided remarkable leadership in helping to restore our economy by spearheading the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which invested $48 billion in our transportation system and put people back to work across the United States. Thanks to Ray LaHood, Illinois is a national leader in high speed rail. 

I was proud to stand next to Ray LaHood last October when we inaugurated high speed rail in Illinois and watched the speedometer on that train top 111 miles per hour. Illinois and the nation are picking up speed and heading toward a much brighter future, thanks to the hard work and visionary leadership of our friend Ray LaHood.

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