Just back from the Thriller reenactment at Kinnick Stadium in the form another Iowa football game: Iowa now 9-0 ...

Okay, it's Halloween and Iowa is playing Indiana at Kinnick Stadium. A team that came into Kinnick Stadium in 2007 and beat Iowa soundly 20-38. By the way, the last double digit loss at home for Iowa was vs. IU in '07.

What a Thriller of a win, after Iowa falls behind 14 points in the first half, then takes a 14 point deficit into halftime, 7-21, when Iowa gave a turnover inside the Iowa 10 on Amari Spivey's fumble on a punt in the closing minute of the first half. A 9 yard pass and IU takes to half a 14 point lead.

At the end of the third quarter, Iowa was still down 14-24. Iowa had 5 interceptions and one lost fumble heading into the final quarter at Kinnick today. Game Boxscore.

But, for the fourth time during the 2009 season, Iowa takes a fourth quarter deficit and turns it into a 42-24 at Kinnick to make a first half Halloween scare into a late second half All Saints Celebration. QB Ricky Stanzi came up big with three huge passes in the final period. Two were TD passes: one for 88 yards to Marvin McNutt and and the other for 66 yards to Derrell Johnson-Koulanos. RB Brandon Wegher, in his first career start, closed out the scoring with 6 and 27 yard TD runs.

Iowa 42, IU 24

ESPN recap

Iowa gets to 9-0, 5-0 in the Big Ten and wins their 13Th straight game in a row. Though, for much of the game today at Kinnick Stadium, it didn't appear that way.

A couple of the Headlines on today's game ...

Final: Iowa 42, Indiana 24 ‎ - ESPN
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa Hawkeyes owe 70000 people a box of Rolaids. It hasn't been easy all season for Iowa, and today's game probably ...

Iowa 42, Indiana 24: Hoosiers again fail to hold a halftime lead. ‎ - The Crimson Quarry (blog)
9-and-0: Iowa 42, Indiana 24 - KCRG-TV
Stanzi overcomes 5 INTs, rallies Iowa to 42-24 win over Hoosiers - WSBT TV (Indiana)

Next up: In doesn't get any easier for Iowa. The Hawkeyes host the Northwestern Wildcats on November 7, 2009 at Kinnick Stadium. By the way, the last time Iowa lost at Kinnick (2008), it was a fueled by Iowa five Hawkeye turnovers in a 17-22 disappointment to Northwestern to open Big Ten play last season. Iowa will be looking to get to 10-0 and winning their 14Th straight game. But, for now, it's time to celebrate Halloween and the Thriller at Kinnick today!

Robin Tucker

We come to an end of another month with Halloween tomorrow night ...

Wow, the month of October is almost in the books. Busy month at work, home, for the family and in the community.

It has been a great year so far, for the Iowa Hawkeyes in football where they enter the weekend back at Kinnick at 8-0 and 4-0 in the Big Ten, ranked #4 in the latest BCS poll. Carole and I look forward to a game with Indiana on Saturday.

H1N1 hit the family this week with our youngest. She is feeling better and hopefully will return to school next week.

We enjoyed a trip to Chicago, Illinois on October 6-9 for the ISSA-Interclean North America Convention and Trade Show.

On Tuesday, November 3Rd, a City Election will take place in Cedar Rapids. Don't forget to vote. In Iowa House District 33 in SW and SE Cedar Rapids, a special election will be held on November 24Th.

Carole and I look forward to watching the first round game of the Class 4A prep football playoffs on Monday, as the Washington Warriors (8-2) will take on the Kennedy Cougars (5-5) at Kingston Stadium at 7 pm. Next week, McKinley Middle School will have two shows of the play: Captain Louie.

Robin Tucker

Joint Metro Rotary News in the Metro Cedar Rapids Area ...

ALL METRO ROTARY MEETING AT KIRKWOOD ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

We still have about 20 tickets remaining for the Joint Metro Rotary Meeting at Kirkwood Community College Continuing Education Center on November 19 at 11:30 A M. Admittance will be only with a ticket. We may be able to get more tickets if there is a demand, but you need to buy your ticket now if you wish to attend the event.

It will count as a regular Rotary meeting and you will receive one make-up credit. The speaker will be Doug Olberman, an attorney from Cedar Falls, who will speak in support of PolioPlus. Doug was struck with Polio when he was 8 years old and slept in an iron lung for over 50 years while graduating from college and law school and enjoying a successful law practice for 29 years.
Tickets are $20 and should be obtained in the advance.

The above note was part of Rotary Ripples for the Week of October 26, 2009.

Robin Tucker

Carole and I enjoyed the Wednesday night Substate football game at Kingston Stadium between Washington-North Scott

The Washington High School football team will advance to the first round of the Class 4A Football Playoffs on Monday night after a 42-21 substate win over North Scott at Kingston Stadium on Wednesday night. Live updates from Iowa Prep Sports! Preview

Washington will get to stay at Kingston Stadium for another game, after Kennedy upset Bettendorf on the road 17-14 on Wednesday night. It will be nice to see another Washington-Kennedy showdown at Kingston! Though, we have a conflict with the McKinley play scheduled the same night.

Oh well! At least the Warriors are still in the playoffs.

Robin Tucker

Don't forget the high school playoffs and to Vote by November 3, 2009 in the Municipal Election in the City of Cedar Rapids ...

The Class 4A substate playoff games and other area high school games (other classes) kickoff tonight throughout the State of Iowa.

For example, Cedar Rapids Washington will host North Scott at Kingston Stadium tonight at 7 pm in Class 4A substate action.

On a separate note, we received an e-mail from the Ron Corbett: Leadership for Cedar Rapids campaign this morning:

Corbett Countdown to Game Time

Put me in, Coach!

Game time starts at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3rd, but if you just can't wait that long, you can score now.

Unlike sports, in elections you don't have to wait for the kickoff to get your points on the board.
You can score now in one of two ways:

1. Voting at the Linn County Auditor's office
   Their office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is located at Westdale Mall in the old Steve and Barry's/Montgomery Wards store. The parking is easy and they promise to get you in and out within 5 minutes or less.2)


2. Voting absentee

Request an absentee ballot by going to:http://www.sos.state.ia.us/PDFS/AbsenteeBallotApp.pdf

Email requests cannot be accepted.

Don't wait too long to exercise this scoring option, because you have to allow mail time for your ballot to get back and forth to the Auditor's office.

By participating in either of these options, you can avoid being sidelined on game day by sudden illness, changes in your work schedule and family emergencies.

Volunteers Needed for Game Day Prep

Have a couple of hours to help get the field prepped for game day? Call our Volunteer Coordinator Karla at 573-5867. She has a list of opportunities available and will find something you can fit into your busy schedule.

To learn more, visit

www.RonCorbett.com

Paid for by Corbett for Mayor

*** ** ***

We have an important election in the City of Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. The Mayor's race, two At-Large positions and Districts 1, 3 and 5 are up this year (links to sample ballots in those three districts). All three incumbents are running again in each of the three districts. Three members of the current city council have two more years left on their terms, including District 2 member, Monica Vernon.

More information from the Linn County Auditor's Office, including City Election: November 3, 2009. Link includes link to sample ballots For example, our sample ballot for those living in either District 2 or 4, including Mayor candidate Ron Corbett, who lives in District 2.

Robin Tucker

Nice e-mail from the University of Iowa Alumni Association today ...

University of Iowa Alumni Association

Great News!

The Hawkeyes are once again eligible for post-season play! Travel with the official University of Iowa tour to this year’s bowl and take advantage of three departure cities (Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Moline) and more price points than any other bowl charter service provider in history! In addition to our traditional amenities, this year’s tour will offer “chalk talk” sessions with Jon Miller, Sports Director at 1040 WHO Radio and publisher of HawkeyeNation.com, and other University of Iowa experts.

As Iowa awaits an official invitation, we’ll post up-to-date details online at Hawkeye Sports Travel. Once an official invitation has been made, visit the website to reserve your spot on the tour or call the Hawkeye bowl tour hotline at 800/553-5527.

SEASON TICKET HOLDERS: To retain your seating priority, you must order your bowl game tickets through the UI Athletic Ticket Office. The ticket office will send you further details closer to an official bowl invitation.

*** ** ***

Are you planning to attend the Iowa bowl game this year? A friend asked us that question, after attending the Indoor Marching Band Classic Monday night at the U.S. Cellular Center.

I have had a pleasure of attending four Iowa bowl trips over the years. We are 0-4, so maybe I should take that into consideration. Of course, this year, the Iowa Football program is reaching new heights in a variety of categories. Maybe a little of that can rub off for me?

Robin Tucker

This week's R & P Report from National Write Your Congressman for 10/26/2009 ...

National Write Your Congressman’s Mission
To encourage responsible
Americans to use their influence in government to preserve the freedoms set
forth by our Founding Fathers.

REVIEW

Health Care Legislation
Medicare Formula Bill: Thirteen members of the Senate Democratic Caucus voted against a procedural move to call up a bill that would stop cuts to the Medicare formula for paying physicians over the next decade. The tally on the vote to end discussion was 47-53. Those in favor of the bill say it is necessary in order to fairly compensate Medicare physicians. Those against it say the separate Medicare bill is a way to disguise the total cost of health care overhaul legislation. (S.1776)

Click here to express your opinion on this issue.

‘Public Option’- House: House Majority leaders say out of 256 Democrats in the House, they have nearly the number of votes needed to include a “strong” government-run insurance plan in the health care overhaul bill. A majority in the House would be 218 votes. No House Republicans have said they will support any version of the public option. (H.R.3200)

‘Public Option’ - Senate: Discussions in recent days have moved away from a choice between a single government-run insurance plan, as proposed in the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee bill (S.1679) and the consumer-owned “co-ops” in the Finance Committee bill. (S.1796)

Antitrust Repeal for Health Insurers: The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would partially repeal the 60-year-old exemption from antitrust law for health insurers. (H.R.3596)

$2.35 Billon AIDS/HIV Bill: The House passed a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act and to revise and extend the program for providing care for those with HIV/AIDS. (S.1793)

Consumer Protection Agency: A House committee approved a measure that would create a new federal regulator with broad powers to police large areas of the economy, including credit cards, home mortgages and payday lenders. (H.R.3126)

$680.2 Billion Defense Authorization: The Senate voted to send the fiscal 2010 defense authorization bill to the President, who is expected to sign it despite objections to its funding for a controversial backup jet fighter engine. It also carries an expansion of federal hate crimes law to cover offenses committed on the basis of sexual orientation. (H.R.3326)

Developing Solar Energy: The House passed a measure that would lead to the creation of a federal research strategy for solar energy. The bill would authorize $350 million for the Energy Department in fiscal 2011, rising to $550 million in fiscal 2015, for a total of $2.25 billion over a five-year period. (H.R.3585)

Fighting Pirates: Members of two House committees are at odds over legislative language that would exempt ship crews from legal liability for using force to fight off pirate attacks. (H.R.3619)

PREVIEW

Boosting National Debt Limit to Above $13 Trillion: Senate Majority leaders are considering attaching a debt limit boost to a must-pass spending bill in order to avoid lengthy floor objections from GOP lawmakers over the government’s rising debt. The House already approved a debt limit increase of $925 billion — above the $12.1 trillion ceiling Congress approved as part of the economic stimulus package last February.

Click here to express your opinion on this issue.

$8,000 Homebuyer Credit Vote Expected with Unemployment Bill: Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) said Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) assured him that the amendment to extend an expiring tax credit for first-time homebuyers will get a vote next week when the Senate takes up a measure to extend unemployment benefits. (S.1796) (H.R.3548)

Carbon Emissions Permits: The formula for allocating billions of dollars worth of emissions permits under a cap-and-trade system is expected to be laid out this week by the authors of the Senate’s climate change bill. Sens. John Kerry (D-MA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) are expected to include the EPA cost analysis along with the formula. (S.1733)

Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF

Visit National Write Your Congressman's web site at http://www.nywc.com/

Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting for October 26, 2009 at Noon ...

Robin Tucker is scheduled to attend today's Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting at Noon. Robin is celebrated his 20Th year anniversary as a member of Rotary International in September 2009.

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids is now on Twitter! Link

Monday, October 26, 2009

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL

Today's Speaker and Program:
Cedar Rapids City Council Candidate Forum

with At-Large and District candidate races

Robin Tucker

I am stunned: Iowa is 8-0 after defeating Michigan State 15-13 on the Final Play at East Lansing

Wow!

This series the past two seasons has been very physical. Last year, Iowa appeared to win that phase of the game, but Michigan State won the game on the scoreboard 16-13 in 2008.

This year, there wasn't a touchdown, until the last two minutes of the game. Both teams, scored a touchdown, with Iowa's coming on the final play of the game with 0:02 on the clock scoring on a pass from the Michigan State 7 yard line. While Michigan State appeared to be winning the physical battle based on the number of Iowa players having to leave the game, Iowa wins 15-13.

Iowa is at 8-0 for the first time in school history. Kirk Ferentz made the right call on the final play ... actually, the call was made by offensive coordinator Ken O'Keefe.

It's Great to be a Hawkeye!

On Iowa!

Robin Tucker

Iowa State and Iowa hit the road with big games at Lincoln and East Lansing, respectively

It's no secret, I am a big Iowa Football fan. I have enjoyed Nebraska football over the years, especially with Dr. Tom Osborne and during my years in Omaha. Of course, former Iowa State coach Dan McCarney brought some excitement to ISU football in 2002.

It's 9-7, but the Cornhuskers are getting themselves in position with just over 12 minutes left in the 4Th quarter. But, the Iowa State Cyclones defense comes up big. They already have six turnovers gained today in Lincoln.

Can the Iowa State Cyclones and more importantly, the Iowa Hawkeyes win on the road today?

Prediction: Iowa wins by 14 today and gets to 8-0 for the first time in Hawkeye football history.

On Iowa!

Update at 2:51 pm: Iowa State 9, Nebraska 7 with the Cornhuskers forced into eight turnovers, wow!

Robin Tucker

Senior Day at Kingston Stadium for Washington High School Football, Cheerleaders and Marching Band ...

Carole and I enjoyed Eileen's senior recognition for Marching Band at Kingston Stadium Friday night before the Washington vs. Waterloo East football game. Eileen was section leader for the clarinets her senior year. Seniors for marching band, cheer squads and football were recognized with their parents.

The game was 39-0 at the end of the first quarter, so we called it a night early, since it was cold and damp in the air. The Warriors went on to win 59-6.

The Indoor Marching Band Classic at the U.S. Cellular Center is Monday night. The special guest is the University of Iowa Marching Band. Join the fun with all the local high school bands closing out their 2009 season.

The Warrior football team is 7-2 and will open substate Class 4A playoffs at Kingston Stadium on Wednesday night.

Robin Tucker

This week R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman for 10/19/2009 ...

National Write Your Congressman’s Mission
To encourage
responsible Americans to use their influence in government to preserve the
freedoms set forth by our Founding Fathers.

REVIEW

Health Care Bill (H.R.3200): As Democratic leaders meet behind closed doors to prepare health care overhaul legislation to be brought to the floor of the House and the Senate, they are weighing key options, including abortion, immigration and coverage choices.

Shrewdly Avoiding Filibuster - ‘Nuclear Option’: The House Ways and Means Committee structured their portion of the health care reform bill in a way that would allow the Senate to exploit a budgetary loophole to skirt a filibuster threat. Committee chairman Charles Rangel (D-NY) stated the move is simply to advance the legislation. But minority party lawmakers say that by circumventing rules and procedures, politicians are trumping the best interest of the nation and further fueling gridlock and partisanship. They charge that the majority party is showing poor quality and lack of character that will create more division and less cooperation in Congress. Though Republicans called this a “hit below the belt,” the panel voted 22-18 to transmit its portion of the chamber’s health care overhaul to the House Budget Committee. The reconciliation process would allow that bill to pass with a simple majority in the Senate, and not the usual 60 votes necessary to end a filibuster. Click here to express your opinion on this issue.

‘Public Option’: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) offered a spirited defense of a ‘public option’ in health care overhaul legislation, framing it as an essential ingredient for helping America’s middle class deal with rising insurance costs. She said at her weekly press conference that if Congress is going to require nearly all Americans to obtain health insurance, it must include a public insurance plan that could compete with policies from private companies.

HIV/AIDS Bill: The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a bill that would reauthorize a federal assistance program for HIV/AIDS patients. It would authorize $1.3 billion in fiscal 2010 for certain grants, with yearly increases until reaching $1.6 billion in fiscal 2013. (H.R.3792)

Defense Authorization: Lawmakers are considering a measure that would authorize
$680.2 billion for defense programs in fiscal 2010, with nearly $130 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It would also extend federal hate crimes laws to cover offenses motivated by a victim’s sexual orientation or disability and would prohibit attacks on military personnel based on their military service. (H.R.2647)

Homeland Security: The House adopted a $44.1 billion Homeland Security spending measure after rejecting a challenge from congressional Republicans to ban the transfer of detainees from the base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States. The vote was 307-114. It also would provide $5.4 billion for immigration and customs enforcement, including $1.5 billion for identifying and removing from the U.S. criminal aliens once an immigration judge has ordered them deported. (H.R.2892)

Energy-Water Spending Bill: The Senate sent a $33.5 billion Energy-Water spending bill to the President after long objections by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK). He objected to the elimination of language calling for transparency that was stripped from the bill during conference. By a vote of 80-17, the chamber passed the measure making it the third of 12 fiscal 2010 spending bills to be cleared for enactment. (H.R.3183)

PREVIEW

Baring Journalists’ Casualty Photographs: As President Obama weighs expanding the war in Afghanistan, some members of Congress are objecting to a new presidential policy barring journalists from publishing photographs of identifiable U.S. casualties. Click here to express your opinion on this issue.

Iran Sanctions: The Senate is considering a House-passed bill that would prevent investment in companies with investments of $20,000,000 or more in Iran’s energy sector. (H.R.1327)

Unemployment Aid: The Senate is expected to take up a bill this week that would provide 14 additional weeks of unemployment aid in all 50 states. Those in states with high jobless rates — defined as a three-month average rate of at least 8.5 percent — would get an additional six weeks of benefits, for a total of 20 weeks. (H.R.3548)

Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF

Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting for October 19, 2009 ...

Robin Tucker is scheduled to attend today's Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting at Noon. Robin is celebrated his 20Th year anniversary as a member of Rotary International in September 2009.

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids is now on Twitter! Link

Monday, October 19, 2009

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL

Today's Speaker and Program:
Cedar Rapids Mayoral Candidate Forum

with all three candidates:

• Ron Corbett
• Brian Fagan
• P.T. Larson

Robin Tucker

It's been a solid day for the Iowa Hawkyes in Madison ...

The Iowa Hawkeyes scored 20 unanswered points, after Wisconsin (5-2, 2-2 in the Big Ten) took a 10-0 lead to win 20-10 in Madison to go to 7-0 (3-0 in the Big Ten) for the first time since the 1985 season. Iowa continues the second longest winning season in the FBS.

Some nice links from The Gazette on today's game:

• Week 7- Badgers mauled
• VIDEO: Ferentz after 20-10 win at Wisconsin
• Best for last
• Another glorious grind for unshakable Hawkeyes
• Game report: Iowa at Wisconsin
• Game photos

Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi avoided throwing any interceptions in the win over Wisconsin. The Iowa defense forced three interceptions. Stanzi found TE Tony Moeaki on a 24 yard pass on the first Iowa series of second half for Iowa. Later, RB Adam Robinson scored on a ten yard run early in the fourth quarter. PK Daniel Murray kicked a career long 48 yard field goal to make it 20-10 and it was all Hawkeyes in the second half.

• WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos had an outstanding game with 113 yards receiving

Iowa moves to 42-41-2 all-time in the Iowa-Wisconsin series and keeps the Heartland Trophy in Iowa City for another season. Next week, the Hawkeyes will face a big game in East Lansing @ Michigan State (4-3, 3-1 in the Big Ten).

Other highlights in College Football today:

College Football Today - The Associated Press
_Iowa cornerback Amari Spievey had two interceptions as the 11th-ranked Hawkeyes rallied to beat Wisconsin 20-10. _Fordham quarterback John Skelton threw ...

Robin Tucker

Election for Mayor and five other members of the Cedar Rapids City Council approaches on 11/3/2009 ...

Received the following Facebook/e-mail from Ron Corbett campaign. Mr. Corbett is running for Mayor of the City of Cedar Rapids. The election is November 3, 2009.

Corbett Challenges Fagan on Legislative Agenda

For Immediate Release

October 16, 2009

Cedar Rapids - Mayoral Candidate Ron Corbett called on the City Council to disavow their 2009 legislative agenda which called for a local option payroll tax, entertainment tax, wheel tax and utility tax.

"The City Council was successful at getting the legislature to take away the
right of local citizens to vote for bond referendums. They were also successful
at passing a new regressive tax on utility bills that hurts those living on
fixed incomes. If their legislative agenda is successful, we will also be facing
the possibility of a local payroll tax and entertainment tax," said Corbett.

The legislative agenda was authorized on a unanimous voice vote of the current city council, including Brian Fagan. The council then backed up their agenda by authorizing tax dollars to pay a lobbyist to turn the agenda into law.

"To rub salt in the wound of taxpayers, not only did they take away this
important right, but they have a consultant recommendation that building a new
city hall would cost $50 million dollars," said Corbett. "We need a new agenda
in 2010 that strengthens the rights of taxpayers instead of weakening them."

The Agenda included this language:

2009 Cedar Rapids City Legislative Agenda:

Page 3

Substantive Statutory Category with fiscal impact on state where designated.

Suspend referendum requirement for local government debt issuance to replace public facilities destroyed or repair damaged public properties natural disasters in Presidentially declared disaster areas. (Infrastructure/Transportation, Environmental Quality, Education, Flood Management Hazard Mitigation)·

Allow local governments (city & county) alternative revenues at board/council vote: (at minimum: local option payroll or non-resident payroll tax, sales tax, entertainment tax, tobacco tax, utility franchise tax; ideally comparable to other states that have in excess of 20 local revenue options) (Long-term Planning and Recovery)

"When this legislative agenda was passed, Brian Fagan supported it and did
nothing to stop it. Essentially, he supported the option to enact a payroll tax,
utility tax and entertainment tax. He has been successful at taking away our
right to vote and passing the utility tax, if he's elected, we can only assume
he will try to finish this agenda," said Corbett.

In the debate KCRG/Gazette debate, Fagan referred to tax diversification instead of using the terms payroll tax, entertainment tax and wheel tax.

"Seniors are receiving no Social Security increase and families have had the bad
economy and the flood picking their pocket the last 12 months, people don't need
a city government that's doing the same thing," said Corbett. "

This city council needs to disavow this agenda and chart a new course in 2010 to get us back on track."

###

Paid for by Corbett for Mayor (above is the Facebook/e-mail press release)

Closing thoughts:

I know both Ron Corbett and each of the challangers for Mayor. As at-large City Council candidate Don Karr has suggested, we need new representation on the City Council in 2009. The Mayor's office, two at-large council member seats and Districts 1, 3, and 5 are up for election.

I had the pleasure of being a candidate for District 2 City Council in November 2007. We need new leadership on the current City Council for the City of Cedar Rapids. We need to embrace our Council-Manager form of government, including all aspects of our Home Rule Charter.

Robin Tucker

We need to see Cedar Rapids move up this List folks ...

The College of Business at Creighton University on Facebook linked the following article on Small Business in the USA. I lived in Omaha, while in college and when I worked in public accounting, before returning to Cedar Rapids to work in our two small businesses. It is too bad that the business climate in Cedar Rapids isn't stronger right now.

Best Places to Launch a Small Business 2009 - Top Midsize Places - FORTUNE Small Business -
Source: money.cnn.com
Tell us why: Low taxes? Talented workers? An active small business community? Send us your photos and videos, and you could be featured in our upcoming coverage of reader-picked Best Places to Launch...

List of Cities in Medium Markets (Includes Omaha and Des Moines)

List of Cities in Small Markets (includes Cities in Iowa)

Robin Tucker

A Review and Preview of Federal Legislation from NWYC: Health Care Reform and More in Washington D.C ...

National Write Your Congressman’s Mission
To encourage
responsible Americans to use their influence in government to preserve the
freedoms set forth by our Founding Fathers.

REVIEW

Senate Health Care Bill
Who is Covered: Around 95 percent of Americans. Proponents of the bill claim Illegal immigrants would not receive government benefits.

Cost: $829 billion over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Requirements for Individuals: Everyone must get coverage. It can be through an employer, on their own or through a government plan.

Requirements for Employers: Not required to offer coverage, but companies with more than 50 full-time workers would pay a fee if the government must subsidize their employees’ coverage.

House Health Care Bill: (H.R.3200)
Windfall Profits Tax: House Democratic leaders announced that they are considering a so-called windfall profits tax to help pay for expanding insurance coverage. The bill would impose a surtax on adjusted gross income above $280,000 for individuals and $350,000 for married couples. That provision drew complaints from those who said the tax could affect small business owners who pay their business taxes under the individual tax code.

***********************************************************

Financial Derivatives: The House is continuing work on a draft bill that includes an exemption designed to lessen the regulatory burden on businesses that use derivatives in their day-to-day operations, as opposed to banks and other institutions that use them more as purely financial instruments.

Agriculture Appropriations Bill: The House approved the Senate-passed measure that would fund agriculture, rural development and the Food and Drug Administration. It would reduce the maximum amount of FY2010 funds available for domestic food assistance programs.

Unemployment Benefits: Lawmakers in the Senate are considering an extension of unemployment benefits that would further boost assistance to jobless workers in all states. The bill would provide 14 additional weeks of benefits. (H.R.3548)

You can now follow the NWYC Research Center on Twitter! Get breaking congressional news, updates about the website, status reports on e-mail and fax broadcasts and much more. Click here or on the above image to go to NWYC’s Twitter page and sign up to follow them.

Cap and Trade: In the Senate, lawmakers are moving toward marking up global warming legislation. The bill is expected to be brought to the floor in December 2009, or January 2010. Democrats in that chamber are seeking moderate GOP lawmakers who believe climate change is a genuine, man-made threat caused by fossil fuel emissions to support the bill. (S.1733) Click here to express your opinion on this issue.

Service Members Home Owners Act: The House passed a bill that would extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit through November 30, 2010, for individuals serving on official extended duty service outside the United States for at least 90 days in 2009. (H.R.3590)

PREVIEW

Homebuyer Tax Breaks: Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House may extend and possibly expand the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers that is currently due to expire Nov. 30. Those in favor of the action say the tax break has given a much needed boost to the mortgage industry. Those against it say the government needs those funds so it doesn’t have to raise taxes elsewhere. They suggest that the tax break be reserved for those who buy homes in the weakest markets or in areas that are plagued with foreclosures. Click here to express your opinion on this issue.

“Buy American”: House Republicans are objecting to the “Buy American” provisions in the economic stimulus law. They say they have caused project delays for states and cities.

Ethics Probe: House Democrats rejected a Republican bid to force Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel to step down until his ethics probe is resolved. In August it was revealed that Rep. Rangel had not reported an additional $500,000 or more in assets on financial disclosure forms.

Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF

Happy Columbus Day and October 12, 2009 to everyone ...

Last week was very busy week with work, travel, family and college football.

Carole and I are back in Cedar Rapids after attending and exhibiting at the ISSA-Interclean Trade Show and Convention in Chicago, Illinois on October 6-9, 2009. For more information on ISSA-Interclean, you can visit our tuckerusa blog.

On October 12, 2009, many will celebrate:

• Columbus Day in the USA
• Thanksgiving Day in Canada
• Day of the Race in Mexico

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids will hold break-out sessions, in the spirit of the times of Paul P. Harris and the beginning of Rotary International. Robin Tucker is planning to attend his break-out on October 12, 2009.

Robin Tucker

Last week's R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman for 10/5/09 ...

We normally like to update and post this information each Monday. We had some trouble updating our blog this past week. with some dreaded IT problems. So, here's the R&P Report a little later for this past week. We should have another update tomorrow, time permitting. By the way, you can follow NWYC Research Center on Twitter now.

National Write Your Congressman’s Mission
To encourage responsible
Americans to use their influence in government to preserve the freedoms set
forth by our Founding Fathers.

REVIEW

Senate Health Care Bill: The Senate Finance Committee is completing its markup of the overhaul health care bill that would mandate health care coverage. The chamber is preparing to merge the measure with a version of the bill approved by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Republicans on the panel say they must be able to review the merged bill before a floor vote. Committee chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) would not commit to that requirement.

Government-run option - Rejected: The Senate Finance Committee rejected a proposal to add a government-run option in the Senate health care bill. The proposal was rejected by a 15-8 vote.

Anti-abortion language - Rejected: The committee rejected a Republican amendment that would have added anti-abortion language to the health care bill. It was rejected by a vote of 13-10.

Middle-income tax increase exemptions - Rejected: The committee rejected a GOP amendment that would have exempted middle-income taxpayers earning less than $250,000 from tax increases and fees included in the bill.Medicare Payment Formula - Unchanged: The bill offers a one-year patch over the 22 percent reduction in Medicare’s spending on physicians scheduled for 2010.

Military Commander Testimony: By a 40-59 vote, the Senate rejected an amendment by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) to require the commander of military forces in Afghanistan and other officials to testify before Congress by Nov. 15. (H.R.3326)

Congress Approves Billions for Pakistan: The House cleared legislation that would authorize $1.5 billion a year for five years in non-military assistance to Pakistan, tripling the level of current aid. The bill cleared by voice vote under suspension of the rules, a procedure that bars amendments and requires a two-thirds majority vote for passage. (S.1707)

You can now follow the NWYC Research Center on Twitter! Get breaking congressional news, updates about the website, status reports on e-mail and fax broadcasts and much more. Click here to go to NWYC’s Twitter page and sign up to follow them.

Cap and Trade: Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) has unveiled the draft Senate climate change bill. While it is similar to the Waxman-Markey bill that passed the House back in June, it calls for a new federal program to encourage natural-gas production and use. The measure aims to reduce CO2 emissions 20 percent, rather than 17 percent, below 2005 levels by 2020. And, it includes a “price collar” that will not allow the price for carbon permits to drop or soar above set limits. Click here to express your opinion on this issue.

$121 Billion Agricultural Appropriations Bill: The House is continuing work on a measure that would make appropriations for agriculture and rural development and to the Food and Drug Administration for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2010. It prohibits funds under this act from being used for first-class travel by employees of agencies funded. (H.R.2997)

PREVIEW

Financial Industry Regulations: The administration is urging lawmakers to overhaul financial industry regulations before next year. Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) proposed creating a single banking regulator. Click here to express your opinion on this issue.

Border Security: Lawmakers are expected to drop a border security fence provision that would require that all 700 miles of congressionally mandated fencing along the Southwest border be able to stop pedestrian traffic. The provision would require the Department of Homeland Security to rebuild most of the existing fence. The $42.6 billion House version of the bill did not include the fence provision. (S.1298) (H.R.2892) Click here to express your opinion on this issue.

Defense Spending: The Senate hopes to complete the Defense spending bill that would provide $636.3 billion in discretionary spending, which is $3.8 billion less than the President’s request. (H.R.3326)

Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF

Nice to celebrate Homecoming, briefly in Iowa City: Anniversary of sorts this past weekend with Iowa vs. Michigan in several ways ...

It's nice to be Cedar Rapids today after a busy week of work, travel, family and College Football. Offers an opportunity to get caught up on some things, as well and rejoice on the enjoyable week of work, travel, family and College Football ...

• Monday, busy back in the office after a brief illness the previous week


• Tuesday through Friday: Exhibited at the ISSA-Interclean 2009 Show in Chicago, IL USA


• Visiting with Family while mobile throughout the week


• Working from a mobile location can be a challenge at times


• Enjoyed part of the Iowa Marching Band Festival at Kingston on Saturday


• Iowa vs. Michigan, Iowa Homecoming, Saturday night, October 10Th

24 years ago, Iowa vs. Michigan in 1985

• Carole and I attended her first Iowa football game together while we were in college back in 1985
• It was #1 Iowa vs. #2 Michigan in 1985
• It was QB Chuck Long (honorary captain on Saturday, 10/10)
• It was LB Larry Station (honored at halftime on Saturday, 10/10)
• Iowa won 12-10 in a dramatic end of the game FG by Rob Houghtlin

19 years ago, Iowa @ Michigan (1990) in the Big House in Ann Arbor, MI

• The ISSA-Interclean Show was in Atlanta in 1990 that week
• My father and I left Atlanta that Friday for Detroit
• On Saturday, we rode over to Ann Arbor for the game
• Iowa takes the lead 24-23 late in the game, after Michigan lead all game
• An Iowa interception caps off a great week of business and football

Iowa 30, Michigan 28 on 10/10/09

• Deja vu
• Iowa wins again
• An anniversary for Carole and I, of sorts
• Memories of ISSA-Interclean and the Iowa-Michigan series
• Interceptions, field goals and of course, another win over Michigan!

It was nice to visit about the Iowa vs. Michigan game at the show with various vendors, customers and visitors at ISSA-Interclean, especially those who had ties to the State of Michigan. The past week was very busy for both companies: ttrco and tuckerusa

Iowa (6-0, 2-0 in the Big Ten) will hit the road for two weeks, with games upcoming @ Wisconsin and @ Michigan State. It's nice to add another great weekend and Homecoming to our resume.

The Marching Band season is wrapping up for the Washington H.S. band. We sadly didn't get to Valley this year, but it was a great game at Kinnick on Saturday night.

Robin Tucker

Good morning October Saturday ...

• Hawkeye Football
• College Football on the airwaves
• Classic Edition selection breakfast
• Warrior Marching Band at band competition
• Daughter babysitting
• Oldest daughter attending a wedding
• Working to get over an illness
• Working at home

A Saturday morning in October ... Life's Good!

And, I had thoughts of sleeping in this morning, oh well!

peace

What's up in various periodicals we read ...

In this week's edition, October 3Rd edition of The Economist:

• China's place in the world
• Germany sets Merkel free
• Time to stand up to Iran
• Europe and Obama: honeymoon over
• Please do feed the bears

Other magazines:

• The Wall Street Journal
• US News and World Report
• The Rotarian
• Various Realtor and real estate periodicals
• Various cleaning and hygiene magazines, we are members of ISSA and IWCA

Montreal: Home of the 2010 Rotary International Convention

How Rotary survived the Great Depression - The Rotarian (10/09)

Where was Twitter when we needed it? - The Rotarian (10/09)

Robin Tucker

Absentee Ballots Now Available for Regular City Elections for November 3, 2009 ...

Absentee ballots for the November 3, 2009 Regular City Elections are now available in the Linn County Elections Office at Linn County West, 2500 Edgewood Road SW in Cedar Rapids.
Voting Absentee- Voters may vote absentee in person at the Elections Office Monday
through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Request forms for absentee ballots may be downloaded from the
  Linn County Auditor’s website at www.linncounty.org/auditor.
• Absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Monday,
  November 2, 2009.

Don't forget to Vote on Election Day in Linn County!

It's Homecoming Tonight for the Washington Warriors ...

Good luck to my alma mater and all those currently attending Washington High School for Homecoming weekend. It will be a wet night tonight, when the Warriors face West High from Iowa City at Kingston Stadium for the football game. Live Chat via Iowa Prep Sports.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Warrior Homecoming Weekend!

I hate to miss the Game, the Marching Band and the fun. But, I will not be able to attend the game tonight.

Go Warriors!