23 Jan 2012

Governor Quinn Announces Active Community Care Transition Plan

By Andrew Mason
Rebalancing Plan Will Increase Community Care Options for
People with Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Conditions

SPRINGFIELD - January 19, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a plan to rebalance the state's approach to care for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions. Called the Active Community Care Transition (ACCT) plan, the initiative will increase the number of people with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions living in community care settings across Illinois. Under the first phase of the plan, residents of Jacksonville Developmental Center (JDC) in Jacksonville, IL and patients of Tinley Park Mental Health Center (MHC) in Tinley Park, IL will be transitioned to community settings and the facilities eventually closed.

"My administration is committed to increasing community care options and improving the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions," Governor Quinn said. "The approach we are taking will allow for the safe transition of care for some of our most vulnerable citizens to community care settings. I want to thank the members of the public, the General Assembly and advocates who worked with my administration to meet this challenge and help our state move forward."

Rebalancing Background

In November, the Quinn administration announced its intention to rebalance Illinois' use of institutionalization for the care of people with developmental disabilities. Illinois lags behind the rest of the nation in the utilization of person-centered, community-based care, which has been demonstrated to allow people with developmental disabilities to lead more active, dynamic lives.

Community settings allow individuals to receive the care they need - including 24-hour care - in their hometown and even their family home. Community care can also be significantly less costly than institution-based care. The ACCT also dovetails with the administration's recent settlement of a series of court cases related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, requiring the expansion of community care settings.

The administration has worked collaboratively with the General Assembly on this initiative, receiving valuable input from members of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) following public hearings in October and November. The General Assembly also worked with the administration to reallocate funds to allow continued operation of all state facilities through the end of Fiscal Year 2012 (June 30, 2012).

In December, the administration created a bipartisan and bicameral working group, with members appointed by the four legislative leaders, to seek input on the rebalancing and closure process. Incorporating their input, the administration developed a series of objective criteria to determine the facilities that will transition to closure, including ability to recruit staff, economic impact, certification status and physical condition. As different issues affect the Division of Developmental Disabilities and the Division of Mental Health, 10 criteria were developed for the former, 18 for the latter.

The ACCT is a policy decision that also has positive fiscal benefits for the state. In addition to improving quality of life for hundreds of individuals across the state, the move is expected to save the state of Illinois $19.8 million annually, and allow for alternative uses of some of the state's costliest facilities.

Transition Plan Development and Implementation

To accomplish the plan safely and effectively, the administration brought on Mark Doyle as the state's Transition of Care Project Manager in October. Mr. Doyle has 33 years of experience in the disability community and has worked in several states to expand community care options and move away from institutionalization. Mr. Doyle is nationally known for his work in the area of community integration and inclusion of people with disabilities in all areas of life. He is highly recognized for his involvement in providing technical assistance to states, community provider agencies, schools and parent groups to create successful community integration.

Mr. Doyle, working alongside senior members of the administration and the Department of Human Services (DHS), developed the ACCT, which includes a comprehensive plan to build additional community capacity and infrastructure for care, as well as a grant to hire nationally-recognized Community Resource Associates (CRA) to conduct independent needs evaluations of each resident of state facilities to ensure they have the resources they need for a successful transition to community care.

The ACCT calls for a "person-centered approach", meaning that individuals and their families will be a significant part of designing the program that best fits their needs and desires. In accordance with the 'money follows the person approach' to rebalancing, after evaluations, each transitioning resident will receive an individualized budget based on their particular support needs. Those with more challenging needs will receive more funds for their care with the average anticipated budget of $7,000 a month per person. The smaller community care options will also allow the state to utilize federal funding for this purpose, reducing state costs.

While there are numerous community care settings currently available in Illinois, the increase in the number of individuals using community care will require the state to develop new settings and options. Unlike state institutions, which may be hundreds of miles from an individual's hometown, individuals and families will have the choice of community in which their care options are developed. Options will also be available for community care at home, if the individual and their family desires.

The ACCT will also utilize both family-to-family and individual-to-individual mentoring strategies, so that individuals and families will know what to expect and have a support system in place during and after transition. For interested individual and families, the state is also establishing microboards and cooperatives to guide and develop person-centered services options. The administration will work closely with the Illinois Association of Microboards and Cooperative in educating individuals and families as well as providing the technical assistance for those interested in that option.

Division of Developmental Disabilities - Jacksonville Developmental Center

In DHS' Division of Developmental Disabilities, a total of 600 individuals will transition into community settings over the next two and a half years, allowing DHS to close up to four state institutions, the first of which will be JDC. Working with the individual, parents and guardians, residents at JDC will be evaluated to determine their needs and their individualized and appropriate community care option. A good match between the individual's needs and community care option is essential to ensure a successful transition.

"Community-based care is about quality of life," director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Kevin Casey said. "Through this careful, deliberate process, Illinois will improve quality of life for hundreds of people with developmental disabilities, while realizing significant savings through the closure of a costly state facility."

One of the advantages of community care is its much lower cost compared to institution-based care. For people with developmental disabilities, the state spends on average, between $150,000 and $210,000 per person per year in a state facility, versus the $45,000 to $84,000 per year average in community care.

Matching individuals with both existing and new providers, the ACCT calls for 20 residents a month to move from JDC into community care settings. JDC is anticipated to complete transitions in time for an early October 2012 closure.

 

Division of Mental Health - Tinley Park MHC

In the Division of Mental Health (DMH), Tinley Park MHC will be phased out, with an increase in capacity at community providers and hospitals in the area for those with acute mental health conditions. Tinley Park MHC currently serves only acute-care patients, whose treatment periods usually last between 24 hours and 21 days. Admissions will be halted, allowing all patients to complete their course of treatment before the anticipated early July 2012 closure. Patients with challenges that require ongoing care will be transitioned to care at community providers or hospitals.

Aside from forensic patients remanded into state custody by the courts, state-run mental health facilities primarily serve acute care patients who do not have access to health insurance or Medicaid. As the Affordable Care Act continues going into effect, many people currently without access to health coverage will attain it, reducing the number of beds needed in state-run psychiatric hospitals and mental health facilities. The DMH, however, is actively securing additional beds at community providers and hospitals in the area surrounding Tinley Park MHC to ensure that services in the area are not interrupted.

"The health and safety of those with mental health conditions is our primary concern," director of the Division of Mental Health Dr. Lorrie Jones said. "This transition will allow us to expand our community and hospital partners while ensuring continued care for those with mental health challenges."

Closure of Facilities

While improving quality of life is the fundamental purpose of the ACCT, closure of state facilities is expected to save the state of Illinois significant annualized costs. Facilities chosen for closure were evaluated based on 10 objective criteria developed by the administration, with input from members of the legislative workgroup. The first phase of this transition will allow the state to close JDC and Tinley Park MHC, two of the state's oldest, most inefficient, and costliest facilities to run.

JDC currently costs the state approximately $27.9 million per year to run. After accounting for state costs under community care, Illinois will realize approximately $11.7 million per year in savings, after $16.2 million in community investment. Tinley Park MHC would cost $20.6 million to run in FY 2013. Savings following the closure of Tinley MHC are expected to be approximately $8.1 million after a $9.8 million reinvestment in community services for individuals with mental health challenges.

The physical condition of the facilities was a vital criterion in considering which facilities to transition to closure. Parts of JDC date from the 1850s, and the coal boiler at the facility spends $1.2 million in coal per year, or about $7,000 per resident to heat per year. Of the 8 buildings at Tinley Park MHC, only 5 are operational. The facility was decertified by the federal government in 2009, with recertification unlikely. The Tinley Park facility also shares a campus with the previously closed Howe Developmental Center, preventing the sale of prime real estate for development in Chicago's south suburbs.

Economic impact was also a criterion in evaluating facilities for transition to closure. The administration realizes that the closure of state facilities will have an economic impact on Jacksonville, Tinley Park and their surrounding communities. However, an Economic Impact Index examination demonstrated that the impacts on Jacksonville and Tinley Park were among the lowest of communities with state facilities.

The JDC currently employs 379 and Tinley Park MHC employs 175 people. Many of these jobs, however, will be absorbed into the local communities. As part of the ACCT development, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) ran a survey of employers in the counties surrounding each state facility for job openings with titles matching those at each site (i.e., registered nurse openings in the Jacksonville area). As of January 9, 2012:

  • 95 matching job titles matching 679 openings existed in the counties surrounding the JDC, and
  • 295 matching job titles matching 14,015 openings existed in the counties surrounding Tinley Park MHC.

The development of community care in these areas will also result in additional job creation in these areas.

The administration will provide regular updates to families, communities, unions, advocates and legislators on the first phase of the ACCT, as well as announcements later in the year for phase two and beyond as Illinois continues its transition to increased community care options.

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23 Jan 2012

Lt. Gov. Simon to colleges: Focus on the finish

By Justin Stofferahn

Math, transparency key to increasing completion rates

CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today urged education leaders to adopt a reform package that aims to increase the number of Illinois community college students who graduate within three years of enrollment.

"Our request of community colleges is deceptively simple: Help more of your students finish what they start," Simon said. "As a state, we must stay focused on the finish."

In a new report issued today by Simon, she states that four out of five recent high school graduates who enroll in Illinois community colleges do not complete a certificate or degree within three years.

"We're doing a good job of getting all types of students into the doors of community colleges. But now we need to do a better job of moving them across the stage at graduation with a certificate or degree that leads to a good-paying job here in Illinois," she said.

The report argues one reason students take longer to graduate - or drop out altogether - is that they are not prepared for college-level work. Almost half of recent high school graduates test into remedial courses, and most of those incoming freshmen struggle with math, Simon said.

"We have more than 142,000 unfilled jobs in Illinois right now, but thousands of people are looking for work," Simon said. "That doesn't add up to a strong economy. We need to better prepare employees for the workforce, and that starts with sending students to college ready to learn."

Simon serves as Governor Quinn's point person on education reform. In her first year in office, she conducted a fact-finding tour of the state's 48 community colleges to learn how the state can work with schools to increase completion rates and connect students to the workforce.

"Higher education is critical to ensuring that Illinois continues to compete and excel in the global economy," Governor Pat Quinn said. "I applaud Lt. Governor Simon for visiting each and every one of our community colleges last year and producing this report. By putting our community colleges front and center and focusing on preparing our students for a 21st century workforce, we can create more jobs, attract more employers and continue to grow the economy in Illinois."

A former law school professor at Southern Illinois University, Simon said she chose community colleges as her focus because they enroll more students than public universities in Illinois, but produce fewer graduates. Community colleges need to shift their focus to completion for the state to meet the demand for middle and highly skilled workers, she said.

Simon's report to the Governor and General Assembly, released today in conjunction with her first address at the City Club of Chicago, outlines several reforms that could improve student success rates while using existing resources. To move forward successfully, Simon identified two critical areas for education in Illinois: improved math instruction and transparency.

"Lt. Governor Simon sent a strong message to the higher education system by taking the time to visit every community college in the state during her first year in office," said Alexi Giannoulias, chairman of the Illinois Community College Board. "We will work with her to improve learning, build stronger ties to the business community and blur the lines between high school, community college and university."

More Math

Illinois requires high school students to complete three years of math to earn a diploma. This means many incoming high school freshmen at community colleges have taken a year's vacation from math - and it shows. More than one out of three recent high school graduates test into at least one remedial math course at Illinois community colleges, and some require several semesters of these developmental skills courses.

The problem is that these remedial courses take up students' time and money, but do not count toward degrees or certificates. The longer it takes for students to complete meaningful coursework, the more likely they are to drop out or incur debilitating debt.

Simon recommends a three-pronged math reform package: (1) High schools should voluntarily require four years of high school math; (2) high schools and community colleges should partner to offer dual credit mathematics courses to all high school juniors and seniors; and (3) community colleges should redesign remediation to embed skills development into credit-bearing courses.

She is asking the Illinois State Board of Education to begin tracking high schools which voluntarily require four years of math, and is seeking researchers to track if the added year reduces remedial needs.

"Our priority is to prepare students to succeed in college and careers, and we know that the skills businesses want from an employee and what is needed to be college ready are very similar," said State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch. "We've already adopted new college-ready learning standards so it only makes sense to also evaluate our high school graduation requirements to make sure they're aligned with college expectations as well to give students a better chance to succeed after graduation."

Report Cards

For more than a decade, Illinois elementary and high schools have been required to publish annual school report cards illustrating the proportion of students who meet grade level skills. Not so for higher education institutions -- and that should change as the state shifts to a focus on completion, Simon said.

The state's top education advisory body, the P-20 Council, has adopted a completion goal: 60 percent of working-age adults (25-64) holding a degree or certificate by 2025. The state is moving in the right direction. Illinois was at 41.3 percent in 2010, up from 40.8 percent in 2008, according to the Lumina Foundation's analysis of census reports.

Beginning next year, community colleges should be more transparent about student success rates and progress toward the completion goal, Simon said. She proposes a two-page consumer report card be published by each college showing the number and percentage of students finishing courses, certificates, degrees and transfers.

"Tracking and reporting the progress toward our completion goal will raise the profile of community colleges and the role they play in our state's jobs recovery," said Miguel del Valle, chairman of the P-20 Council. "Annual college report cards can be an important tool in engaging students, educators and taxpayers in our pursuit of a highly educated workforce."

Performance Funding

Simon said one of her recommendations is expected to be incorporated in the Fiscal Year 2013 budget. She is a member of the Performance Funding Steering Committee that is devising a system to tie a portion of state higher education funding to student success rates.

Currently, the funding mechanism for community colleges considers mid-term enrollment, rather than the number or proportion of students who pass a course or earn a credential. She favors a funding system that "focuses on the finish," and says it should be phased in over time.

"The university and community college systems are working with Lt. Governor Simon to better measure and reward success at each of our unique institutions," said George Reid, executive director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and leader of the performance funding committee. "We will continue to foster this relationship and share information to ensure transfer students are prepared for university work and graduates are ready for the workforce."

Next Steps

Simon said the next step is for her office to work with stakeholders to introduce legislation where needed and to work with higher education governing bodies on reforms at the administrative level. She expects bills to be introduced later this month when the General Assembly returns to Springfield.

For a copy of the full report click here.

For a copy of the report fact sheet click here.

For a copy of the Lt. Governor's speech click here.

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23 Jan 2012

American Legion Department of Illinois Annual Caravan

By Mark Sides

Jan. 20 - 29: 2012 American Legion Department of Illinois Annual Caravan to Deliver Veterans Assistance and Rehabilitation Message National Vice
Commander Milton G. Heifner to join in visits to VA hospitals in Illinois

For Immediate Release BLOOMINGTON, Ill./EWORLDWIRE/Jan. 18, 2012 --- Among the issues to be spotlighted during the 2012 American Legion Department of Illinois Annual Caravan through the state are veterans' healthcare and Medicare reimbursement, maintenance and operations of Arlington National Cemetery, and the women veterans' program.  This year's forum continues the theme of "Veterans Assistance and Rehabilitation" and will focus on delivering key updates to military service personnel about issues that directly impact them, and to attract new members to the Legion's active base. In recent weeks, the American Legion Department of Illinois was joined by the Illinois State Senate with its endorsement of an initiative to create a centralized communications channel centered on veterans - Veterans Special Programs American National Network , also known as V-SPANN.  Community outreach efforts kick off Friday, Jan. 20, 2011, in Viola and will proceed through the state during a week-long state tour.

Statewide visits to V.A. clinics will feature National Vice Commander Milton G. Heifner, along with state and local leaders. Heifner was elected during the closing session of the 93nd National Convention in Milwaukee in September 2011; he has held many leadership positions at the post, department and national levels. A U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War era, he retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1992. Previous positions he has held include branch manager of Brenton State Bank in Woodward and agent for Erickson Insurance in Granger, Iowa.  A complete and comprehensive schedule is available at ILLegion.org (http://www.illegion.org).  

Friday (Jan. 20)  Milan (309-787-4149)  Rock Falls (815-626-3862) North Chicago (847-336-4767)

Saturday (Jan. 21) Wooddale (630-238-1205)  DeKalb (815-756-4551)  Dwight (815-674-3107)

Sunday (Jan. 22)  Chicago (773-330-5219) FDR Post 923 (773-278-0093) Giles Post 87 (773-363-2920) Calumet City 330 (708-862-8665)

Jan. 23-26: State Veterans Homes Visits  Thursday (Jan. 26)  Fairfield (618-847-5161) Friday (Jan. 27)  Benton (618-438-0861) Newton (618-783-2622) Litchfield (217-324-6213) Saturday (Jan. 28)  Alton (618-462-2644)  Bluffs (217-584-1770)  Cuba (309-785-5456)  Sunday (Jan. 29)  Delevan (309-244-7591)  Farmer City (309-928-3055)  Hoopston (217-283-6312)  

Since its founding in 1919 and subsequent Congressional Charter, The American Legion organization has operated unlike any other, exerting a  compelling influence on national leaders on issues of global significance. Legion operations enhance the lives of military families struggling through wartime and economic sacrifices. Members serve the community by building homes for disabled veterans, raising money for scholarships, coaching baseball teams, adopting military units, fighting to protect and enhance veterans' benefits, promoting wholesome youth activities and much more.

National Vice Commander Heifner stated, "This is an unprecedented time in our nation's history, with so many in need - our veterans especially need our help, and we have a moral obligation to support them. I invite everyone to join us in our annual family membership caravan at a post near you."  

To learn more about how to get involved and support the activities of the American Legion, visit JoinTheLegion.org (http://www.jointhelegion.org) or ILLegion.org (http://www.illegion.org).

23 Jan 2012

Center for Rural Affairs applauds Denial of Pipeline Construction

By Elisha Smith

Controversial Keystone XL Pipeline route rejected


Lyons, NE - Americans concerned about the proposed route of the Keystone XL Pipeline received welcome news Wednesday when the Obama administration announced the rejection of a special U.S. State Department permit for the Keystone XL pipeline.

"We applaud President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton for making a common sense decision that protects both Nebraska and the entire nation," said Johnathon Hladik, Energy Policy Advocate at the Center for Rural Affairs.

Approving the Keystone XL pipeline without an established route through Nebraska would amount to a failure on the part of our federal government to consider the best interests of the American people," Hladik concluded.

According to a  U.S. State Department news release, the Department has been conducting a transparent, thorough, and rigorous review of TransCanada's permit application for the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline project since 2008. As a result of this process, particularly given the concentration of concerns regarding the proposed route through the Sand Hills area of Nebraska, on November 10, 2011, the Department announced that it could not make a national interest determination regarding the permit application without additional information.

Specifically, the Department called for an assessment of alternative pipeline routes that avoided the uniquely sensitive terrain of the Sand Hills in Nebraska. The Department estimated, in consultation with the State of Nebraska and TransCanada and based on prior projects of similar length and scope, that it could complete the necessary review to make a decision by the first quarter of 2013.

Congress passed the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 on December 23, 2011. The Act provides 60 days for the President to determine whether the Keystone XL pipeline is in the national interest - which, according to the State Department release, the Administration considers insufficient for such a determination. The denial of the permit does not, however, preclude any subsequent permit application or applications for similar projects.

The Center for Rural Affairs rallied along with thousands of other Nebraskans during the past year building opposition to the proposed line, attending hearings across the state and expressing concern about the proposed route of the pipeline.  Many Center supporters and staff members testified in opposition to the pipeline's projected route, which would travel through 300 miles of Nebraska, including 92 miles across the Sandhills, bringing oil from tar sands in northern Canada to refineries in the southern United States. A determined set of individuals and organizations representing varied interests and communities throughout Nebraska played a pivotal role in the final decision.

"This decision is a win for the innumerable citizens, activists and advocates who made their voice heard," said Hladik. "While there is still work to be done, we can now be proud that we did our part to protect our air, land and water for this generation and the next."

23 Jan 2012

"LAST DINNER ON THE TITANIC" SERVED IN ST. LOUIS TO MARK THE CENTENNIAL OF THE LUXURY LINER

By Rick Martin
Recreating Titanic's final 11-course dinner menu is just one of the special events slated for St. Louis' Titanic Centennial Weekend, April 13-15, 2012.

ST. LOUIS -- January 19, 2012 -- One hundred years ago this April, a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch scored one of the biggest stories of the 20th century - the sinking of the H.M.S. Titanic.

St. Louis journalist Carlos Hurd was aboard the Carpathia, the vessel that scooped up Titanic's lifeboat-clinging survivors. Hurd and his wife Katherine were the first to interview the eyewitnesses to the downing of the "unsinkable" ocean liner. He wrote the world-wide headline story on rolls of toilet paper during the voyage that brought those rescued into New York harbor. Today, the legendary ship continues to make headlines in St. Louis where a weekend of special commemorative events will take place to remember this ever-fascinating piece of history.

Cruise into the Gateway City to experience the history, fashion, food and music of the elegant Edwardian era during St. Louis' Titanic Centennial Weekend, April 13-15, 2012. For more information, click on http://www.explorestlouis.com/ or www.titanic2012stl.com or call 314-657-5033. Tickets for all events and accommodations are also available through Metrotix at 314-534-1111 or www.metrotix.com.

On Friday, April 13, the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park serves up an Edwardian Champagne Reception prior to a screening of the classic 1958 Titanic film, "A Night to Remember." Guests also will view Titanic-related artifacts from the Museum's collection.

The highlight of the weekend takes place at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Saturday, April 14. The Fox's executive chef Stephen Proctor along with the culinary teaching staff at L'Ecole Culiniare will recreate the original First Class menu served to Titanic guests on the actual 100th anniversary of the last dinner on the ship. The historic menu was meticulously researched to authentically recreate the sumptuous eleven-course meal and accompanying wines. The Titanic-sized menu includes oysters a la Russe, poached salmon, filet mignon, chicken Lyonnaise, roasted squab and Waldorf pudding.

Diners will have the opportunity to experience A Taste of History: Last Dinner on the Titanic while seated on the stage at St. Louis' Fabulous Fox Theatre. The evening is black tie. Dinner guests are encouraged to wear vintage attire (white tie for men). Upon arrival, guests will receive a boarding pass and envelope containing the name and biography of an actual first-class passenger from the Titanic. Guests can be assured that the only ice afloat at the Fox this evening will be found in drinking glasses.

Prior to dinner, a period-style cocktail reception featuring live music popular during 1912 will fill the Fox Theatre's elaborate Grand Lobby. Between courses, guests will be entertained with incredible stories about the Titanic told by actors portraying passengers and crew who had been aboard the fateful ship including Missouri's-own "Unsinkable" Molly Brown. Proceeds from the evening benefit the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, a not-for-profit which fosters and promotes the performing arts in the St. Louis area.

Those who survive the Saturday evening soiree can partake in a special champagne brunch at the Piper Palm House, the oldest standing greenhouse west of the Mississippi River. Located in St. Louis' Victorian-designed Tower Grove Park, the Palm House's distinctive architecture, soaring ceiling, stately windows and exotic plants, resemble the Titanic's Verandah Café. The brunch will be recreated from a Titanic first class breakfast menu. The buffet service meal features, along with other delicacies, smoked salmon, lamb chops, sirloin steak, prepared-to-order omelets, fruits and baked goods.

The three events range in price from $10 to $500, so everyone can "step back in time" and experience the history, fashion, food and music of the elegant Edwardian Era. A special St. Louis Titanic Weekend Travel Package is available at the newly restored Cheshire, a landmark hotel property that embodies the charm and authenticity of a traditional British inn with all the modern conveniences of today. The $389 hotel package includes deluxe accommodation for two nights (Friday and Saturday/double occupancy), an English continental breakfast on Saturday, complimentary high tea on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., and round-trip transportation to the events at the Missouri History Museum, The Fox Theatre and the Piper Palm House.

True Titanic buffs will want to tour historic Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis. St. Louisan Elizabeth McMillan Madill Robert was returning home from a year-long European tour and lodging in Cabin B-3 aboard the Titanic. She, her daughter Georgette Madill, niece Elizabeth Allen and maid Emilie Kreuchen were all rescued from Lifeboat 2. Mrs. Madill Roberts died in 1955 and is buried on the Madill family lot. Also resting at Bellefontaine are Carlos and Katherine Hurd who were traveling on the Carpathia, the White Star Line vessel that rescued Titanic lifeboat passengers. Hurd enlisted his wife to help him gather interviews for the news story of the century. Stop by the Bellefontaine Cemetery office at 4847 West Florissant Avenue for a complimentary map to these gravesites and those of hundreds of notable persons including explorer William Clark, Civil War officers, beer barons, literary personalities and more.  Information also is found at www.bellefontainecemetery.org.

Follow St. Louis on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest information on what's happening in the Gateway City. www.facebook.com/ExploreStLouis; http://twitter.com/explorestlouis

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19 Jan 2012

OWS Announcement

By Cameron Whitten
Occupy Wall Street Protester Runs for Mayor

Portland, Ore.-- On January 18th, Cameron Whitten, 20, an Occupy Wall Street activist entered his name into the race for Mayor of Portland. Whitten gathered the papers to register on November 14th, the day after he was arrested during the Occupy Portland eviction.

Whitten says he is running because City Council is on uneasy terms with many Portland residents, "Portland has a history of economic and racial oppression which is still apparent in its highly segregated neighborhoods. Although the city flaunts its liberal, progressive politics, it is lagging behind in employment and education in comparison to the rest of the country."

Whitten's vision is to help Portland address its crisis, ranging from economic equality, police accountability, political transparency, and foreclosure reform. He requests that all person and non-person entities contribute no more than $200 dollars to his campaign, giving all income levels proper access to their public officials.

While Portland politicians voice support with concerns raised by the Occupy Movement, they have done little in action, with behaviors that include promoting unlimited campaign contributions despite state laws which prohibit corporate fundraising and enforces individual fundraising caps, calling for massive budget cuts to vital programs while spending millions in pet projects, and blaming poor policy decisions on unarmed civilians, resulting in over $1.76 million wasted on the overtime of a federally investigated police force.

The Occupy Movement has confirmed a lot about the global narrative. Politics on all levels, whether local, state, or federal, have for too long been subject to interference from private interests. Occupy has brought light of that to the public, and now that people are aware, they need to act.

Voting participation and civil engagement in the nation has suffered over the years. However, the federal electoral system has been guilty of perpetuating a bipartisan regime of watered down, bickering candidates who fail to adequately represent a majority of the American population. Occupy has given America the opportunity to practice its democratic roots, and promote people who honor the Constitution written by our founding fathers. Social Media has become a powerful asset in grassroots outreach, and nonpartisan efforts no longer have to challenge corporate media for fair representation.

Whitten states, "This is a call to the disenfranchised masses. You have lost faith in a broken system. You have been abused by excessive police violence and kept afraid in your homes, trying to exercise your unalienable rights against these corrupt institutions that put profits over people. They do not deserve that power. This action will not repair the system so many people are frustrated with, but it will disrupt the  power of those willing to use that system to continually oppress us. Do  not support the private agenda of professional politicians. No matter  where you are, demonstrate the power of direct democracy, and its  ability to influence the  culture of government. Recall your misguided  politicians. Occupy the White House. Occupy Congress. Occupy City Hall.  Occupy the Ballot."

Occupy Wall Street continues to be a nonpolitical, leaderless movement, encouraging the creative actions of autonomous individuals to nonviolently advocate for change.

Press Conference: January 20th, 10:00 AM on the steps of the Multnomah County Justice Center. 1120 SW 3rd Ave Portland, OR 97204

For more information, visit: www.cameronwhittenforunity.com

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19 Jan 2012

More than 1,500 Farmer Votes Counted Early in FFA Chapter Challenge

By Geoffrey Miller

Chapters in 12 states can still register to compete for $300,000 in FFA incentives provided by Monsanto

INDIANAPOLIS (January 19, 2012/National FFA Organization) - FFA members in 12 states, eager to win terrific prizes for their local chapter, are off to a very strong start in a program to designed to teach them about today's agriculture by meeting with farmers in their communities.

The 2012 FFA Chapter Challenge, a second-year program now available to more than 3,300 FFA chapters and over 236,000 FFA members, started collecting votes on Monday, January 16. As of Wednesday afternoon, FFA members had already reached 1,541 farmers who voted for their local chapters. Missouri, with 460 votes, led Indiana (309) and Tennessee (308) in the early running. A complete state-by-state leaderboard is available at www.FFAchapterchallenge.com/leaderboard

Sponsored by Monsanto, the premise of the program is simple: chapter FFA members visit and build relationships with local farmers in a bid to learn about a farmer's way of life and to build local support for their chapter's agriculture education endeavors. Afterward, the FFA members ask the farmer to vote for their chapter.

The top 200 FFA chapters that make the most connections and receive the most farmer votes by February 29 will be awarded a line of credit ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 from the National FFA Organization. As a sponsor of the program, Monsanto will provide more than $300,000 in incentives.

But before FFA chapters are eligible for the program, they must register at www.FFAChapterChallenge.com. FFA members in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas are eligible in 2012 - up from just seven states last year. Votes from local farmers and producers will not count until the FFA chapter has completed the registration process.

"Monsanto is very excited to support this program for a second year," said Linda Arnold, customer advocacy lead for Monsanto. "As a company whose only business is agriculture, we are committed to educational programs like FFA Chapter Challenge that generate excitement in learning about farming. We encourage FFA members to reach out to farmers in their communities and learn more about their livelihood."

Chapters can earn monetary credit which can be used throughout the year to buy FFA jackets and merchandise, obtain banquet supplies and send members to events like the Washington Leadership Conference or the national FFA convention, and more. Awards will go to the top 10 chapters in each of the 12 eligible states, plus 80 at-large winning chapters.

The chapter that makes the most connections and receives the most farmer votes of any participating FFA chapter will win the grand prize - an all-expense paid trip for six students and an advisor to attend the 85th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October 2012, plus a $2,500 FFA certificate of credit.

"Relationships are central to growing a career in any field, let alone agriculture. We love how this program emphasizes that while also supporting FFA chapters who work the hardest," said Rob Cooper, executive director of the National FFA Foundation. "We're very grateful of Monsanto's support of this program and truly believe it will be a great tool to grow tomorrow's agriculture leaders."

Winners will be announced March 9. For more information - including videos, news releases and more - visit www.FFAChapterChallenge.com.

About National FFA Organization

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 540,379 student members as part of 7,489 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online (http://www.ffa.org), on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/nationalffa), on Twitter (http://twitter.com/nationalffa) and FFA Nation (http://ffanation.ffa.org).

 

###

19 Jan 2012

Grassley on PIPA

By Grassley Press

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley released the following statement regarding the Senate's Protect IP Act.

"It's critical we protect the intellectual property rights of our businesses and fight online infringement, but at the same time, we can't do harm to the internet, the Constitution, or the ability of businesses to grow and innovate.   Internet piracy is illegal, and we need to find a way that works for all sides.  The current Protect IP Act needs more due diligence, analysis, and substantial changes.  As it stands right now, I can't support the bill moving forward next week."
19 Jan 2012

Join us for Winter Bike to Work Day, Jan. 20

By Ted Villaire

On Friday, Jan. 20, warm up with Caribou coffee, tea and hot chocolate from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Daley Plaza in Chicago for Winter Bike to Work Day.

The first 50 bike commuters who come by the event can choose from either a free bike light or a free balaclava. People can also enter a raffle for a folding bike.

Winter Bike to Work Day, organized by the Active Transportation Alliance, commemorates the coldest day in Chicago history--Jan. 20, 1985--when the official temperature at O'Hare International Airport was 27 degrees below zero.

Jan. 20 also marks the opening of registration for one of the best bicycle rides in the nation, MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive. Get a jump on your summer by signing up for this world-class bike ride, to be held on May 27. Save $10 when you sign up for this Active Transportation Alliance fundraiser between Jan. 20 and Feb. 6 at www.bikethedrive.org.

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. The organization builds a movement around active transportation, encourages physical activity, increases safety and builds a world-class transportation network. The Active Transportation Alliance is North America's largest transportation advocacy organization, supported by nearly 6,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 40 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.  
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19 Jan 2012

Land Contract Guarantee Program Launched Nationwide

By Elisha Smith

Center for Rural Affairs Offers Farm Bill Help Line to Assist Producers


Lyons, NE - The Farm Service Agency recently announced that the Land Contract Guarantee Program is now available nationwide.
The Land Contract Guarantee Program provides federal loan guarantees to retiring farmers and landowners who self-finance the sale of their land to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

"With land values continuing to escalate, beginning farmers and ranchers face ever greater challenges in gaining access to land," said Traci Bruckner, Assistant Director of Rural Policy at the Center for Rural Affairs. "The program is designed to encourage private land contract sales by providing a degree of protection to the retiring farmer whose retirement savings is often in the land and farm.  This protection may be the incentive some need to take that step and self-finance the sale of their land to a beginning farmer and rancher."

In order to be eligible for this program, a farmer needs to self-finance the sale of their land, and sell to either a beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer.

The buyer of the farm or ranch must be a beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher;  not be larger than a family farm (in which most of the management and labor is provided by family members); have an acceptable credit history demonstrated by satisfactory debt repayment; be the owner or operator of the farm or ranch when the contract is complete; and be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere without a guarantee to finance actual needs at reasonable rates or terms.

Under this program, the seller of the farmland has two guarantee options:

  • A "prompt payment" guarantee that covers three amortized annual installments or an amount equaling three amortized annual installments; or
  • A standard asset guarantee that covers an amount equal to 90 percent of the outstanding principle of the loan provided that the seller obtains a servicing agent.

For either option, the loan guarantee stays in effect for 10 years.  The purchase price or appraisal value of the farm or ranch that is the subject of the contract sale cannot be greater than $500,000.  The buyer of the farm and ranch must contribute at least 5 percent as the down payment for the land.

Farmers and ranchers interested in this program should contact their local Farm Service Agency office.

Bruckner also encourages farmers, ranchers and others to call the Center for Rural Affairs' Farm Bill Helpline with questions about the application process as well as other farm and conservation program options that beginning and established farmers and ranchers can access.  Producers can call (402) 687-2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline or send an email to tracib@cfra.org.

Retiring land owners looking to find the right beginning farmer or rancher to sell or transfer their land to can also register for the Land Link Program.

The Center's Land Link program matches beginning farmers looking for land with established landowners, increasing opportunities for new farmers while promoting good stewardship. The process includes retirement planning, new farmer financing, farm business, and environmental assessment in order to ease transitions of family operations from the retiring generation to the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

Parties specifically interested in participating in Land Link should call Virginia Wolking with the Center for Rural Affairs at (402) 687-2103 ext. 1017.

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