... Service Above Self

Neighborhood Safety Forum in District 3 Cedar Rapids at 7 p.m. on Monday, January 23 at St. Paul's UMC

2012-01-23T15:02:00.005-06:00

We begin the fourth week of 2012 in Cedar Rapids this week.

Council Member Pat Shey is hosting the Neighborhood Safety Forum. Pat Shey represents District 3 on the City Council for Cedar Rapids.

The purpose of this forum is to provide information to help residents make their homes and neighborhoods safer. We will discuss current crime statistics, what you can do to protect your home, how you can make your neighborhood safer, and what you should do if you experience a crime or witness suspicious activity.

Pat Shey to Host Neighborhood Safety Forum on Jan. 23
City Council Member Pat Shey will host a Neighborhood Safety Forum on Monday, January 23, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, located at 1340 3rd Ave SE, especially for residents of District 3.

“The purpose of this forum is to provide the citizens of Cedar Rapids with information that will help them make their homes and neighborhoods safer,” said Shey. “We will discuss current crime statistics, what you can do to protect your home, how you can make your neighborhood safer, and what you should do if you experience a crime or witness suspicious activity.”

The forum will feature a panel discussion, moderated by Shey, which will include the following experts from the Cedar Rapids Police Department: Lt. Jerry Potter, Sgt. Matthew Welsh, Investigator Michael Bailey and Crime Analyst Dawn Stanford. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns during the forum.

Residents with personal experiences to share are encouraged to submit a written narrative or statement before the forum and send them to Pat.Shey@cedar-rapids.org. All statements will be compiled, scanned and share with all who are interested.

As a new Commissioner of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission, I plan to attend. After last week's Commission meeting, I indicated that to my fellow Commissioners my interest to serve on the Outreach Commission.

With redistricting in the City of Cedar Rapids, our home is now in District 3 as of mid-January 2012. Indian Creek Hills is now entirely in Precinct 25, as opposed to being divided into to districts, as before. We will be voting at Erskine ES again.

Also, I have spoken to people in our community that have been disappointed with the following story.

More than 8,700 arrests logged near Cedar Rapids elementary schools
Data doesn't mean school neighborhoods are unsafe, officials say - The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS — In a study of arrests made within a half-mile of Cedar Rapids’ public elementary schools, more than half occurred near Polk, Johnson and Taylor schools. This doesn’t mean the neighborhoods aren’t safe, though. “Johnson, Taylor and Polk are all situated in the city’s higher concentration of population,” Cedar Rapids police Sgt. Cristy [...]

continue »

It should be an interesting Neighborhood Safety Forum at St. Paul's UMC.

Robin Tucker is one of two appointed to fill vacancy on Civil Rights Commission

2012-01-12T12:01:00.010-06:00

On January 10Th, Mayor Ron Corbett with the consent of the City Council appointed Robin Tucker and Anne Pham to the eleven member Civil Rights Commission for the City of Cedar Rapids. Tucker and Pham will fill two vacancies on the Commission through June 30, 2013.

The Commission is made up of eleven volunteer members, who are appointed by the Mayor for three-year terms, comprise the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission. Each member may serve two consecutive three-year terms. This is a policy-making body which directs the Commission staff. Commissioners are also involved in revising the local civil rights ordinance and assist staff members in their efforts to enforce these laws. The Commission annually elects a Chair and a Vice-Chair. Regularly scheduled meetings take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

Robin Tucker's father, I.L. 'Tommy' Tucker, proudly served on the original Commission or Committee on Human/Civil Rights for the City of Cedar Rapids. He served for approximately 32 years and was recognized by the Commission for his past service on July 15, 2011 at a Cedar Rapids Kernals game, where he was asked to throw out the first pitch. Tommy Tucker Realty Co. is a contributor to the Friends of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission Foundation, as is the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors. (Pictured are Mom and Dad, with our City's Civil Rights Director Karl Cassell, along with my father throwing out the first pitch).

We believe strongly in the tradition of Equal Opportunity in employment, housing, education, public accommodations and credit in our community. "Like my father, I look forward to paying my civic rent in service to the Commission for the next 18 months," said Robin Tucker.

This Monday, January 16Th, our Nation and community will celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday. Robin Tucker is scheduled to attend both the 26Th Annual Remembering Martin Luncheon at the Hotel at Kirkwood at 11 a.m., as well as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on Monday evening at St. Paul's UMC at 7 p.m. The evening event is open to the public and there is no charge attend, though a free will offering is taken.

Happy New Year as the first full week of 2012 is now in the books ..

2012-01-08T15:05:00.006-06:00

We hope everyone had a great Christmas, time off for the Holidays and a happy New Year! We enjoyed time here in Cedar Rapids, Iowa over the Holidays! We spent time over the New Year's holiday up in Omaha to visit with family and friends.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are battling with health issues as we welcome 2012!

Christmas was very memorable this year. We enjoyed a beautiful Christmas Eve service at St. Paul's UMC here in Cedar Rapids. It is always a joy to spend time with friends and family. Many in the family had to work over the Holidays, but we had plenty of time with both friends and family.

It was a good Rotary year in 2011 in Cedar Rapids. During the Christmas and New Year's holidays, the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids was dark, with no meetings. We will enjoy our first meeting of 2012 on Monday, January 9Th with the University of Iowa' Provost P. Barry Butler providing our program. What exactly is a provost?

Over the years, our family has enjoyed relationships with Grand Island College, Coe College, Creighton University, the University of Iowa, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the University of Northern Iowa, Kirkwood Community College, Drake University, South Dakota State University and a couple of the University of Wisconsin campuses. I enjoyed a brief week with the University of Memphis and GlobalEd studying International cultures with a representative from FedEx.

Currently, family and extended family have recently attended or are now attending the University of Northern Iowa, Indian Hills Community College, Tidewater Community College, Pima County Community College, Creighton University and the University of San Francisco. Education is one of the most important aspects of any society. We must not forget the value of learning from birth to our final years of life. It is an important aspect of our Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness for our Republic.

I am proud that decided to attend a Jesuit Catholic university for four years. We are also proud to be Panther parents with the joy of watching our children gain an education experience in biology, chemistry, anthropology and international studies.

Over the Holidays, we enjoyed a couple movies at the theatre. The Iowa-Oklahoma game at the Insight Bowl was enjoyed at DJs on the big screen in Omaha, near TDAmeritrade Park and the CenturyLink Center Omaha. The company was better than the outcome. It was nice to see Creighton and Iowa enjoy some good road wins in basketball over the Holidays.

This past week, we enjoyed returning from our trip to Omaha. New Year's and New Year's Monday were enjoyable. The Rose Bowl went to the Pac 12 this year. The Big Ten has some work ahead in the coming year. It was nice to see ten programs reach a bowl game, which was a conference record. On Iowa!

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure to participate as a Precinct Chair at CR45 with 211 of my neighbors in holding our local Iowa Caucus. What a historical vote, with the closest vote in the history of the Iowa Caucus. Now, onto New Hampshire and South Carolina with the GOP enjoying primaries in those two states. At our Caucus at Erskine ES, neighbors spoke for Huntsman, Gingrich, Paul, Santorum and Romney. My actual voting precinct CR41, Bethany Lutheran enjoyed a strong turnout, as well. I have enjoyed the past four years serving as a central committee chair for my precinct here in Linn County.

At the same time, our daughter enjoyed a dress rehearsal for Washington High School's show choir and I heard she did an outstanding job on her solo. Her first competition is Saturday at Linn-Mar. Show choirs competitions will be throughout January, February and March.

On Wednesday, we celebrated a birthday in the family, with a lovely dinner out at Cibo Fusion. It was nice to see the Iowa basketball team win back to back road games in the Big Ten for the first time, since January 1998. Then on Thursday, we enjoyed a family dinner, as Carole's sister and family visited, while returning home from Omaha. It was a great visit for all.

Well, the holidays have clearly concluded. Our daughter in college has left for another semester. We have enjoyed a couple new family favorites lately. Red Mango when visiting Omaha and Orange Leaf here here in Cedar Rapids. We look forward to the new east side location.

It will be a busy year in 2012 and it is off to a fast start. Happy New Year everyone!

Christmas has passed, so what is up in the New Year in Cedar Rapids?

2011-12-26T15:54:00.004-06:00

We hope everyone had a nice Christmas holiday. We enjoyed our time with friends and family this Holiday Season.

No, not heading to Phoenix this year for an Iowa bowl game, though we will be rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes vs. the Oklahoma Sooners, in a homecoming game for OU coach Bob Stoops. The Hawkeyes are playing in the 2011 Insight Bowl. The second straight year in the Insight, as Iowa attempts to win for the first time, an unprecedented four bowl games in a row.

It's Monday, December 26Th and the New Year is less than a week away now.

On Tuesday, January 3Rd, Iowans will have an opportunity to participate in the Iowa Caucus. Our President will likely be unattested, but the Republican nomination process will have the first test, in Iowa. Who was the first to file in Iowa? As the link pointed out, it was the President.

Do you feel the Presidential race in Iowa is a little quieter, than in the past? The candidate we are pulling for is placing most of his focus on New Hampshire, which will have the first primary in the Nation on January 10Th. A candidate with a strong philosophy on free markets and small government would be a breath of fresh air right now. What's ahead for the GOP field?

The City of Cedar Rapids on January 2Nd will seat two new City Council members. From a gender standpoint, the Council will add another women to the Council The five cities of Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, Robins and Fairfax will bring a sales tax extension to the public again in March 6, 2012.

Out with the old - Rick Smith, The Gazette
Arena renovation taking shape in downtown Cedar Rapids
The City of Cedar Rapids is renovating the old U.S. Cellular Center, hotel and is adding a new convention center to the adjoining block and street.

Cedar Rapids-based radio station to launch in 2012‎ - The Gazette
(Dave DeWitte/Sourcemedia News) CEDAR RAPIDS — Corridor radio listeners might soon be able to tune in to a Spanish language broadcast of a Kernels baseball ...

The City of Cedar Rapids will likely be seeking to fill a vacancy with the police chief in the new year. City Manager Jeff Pomeranz will get an opportunity to fill the position. The present police chief was selected by the City's first full-time city manager.

Over the past year, we were involved heavily with three issues directly in front of the City Council.

Robin Tucker served on the Charter Review Commission in 2011

The discussion of the boundaries for the MedQuarter district in Cedar Rapids

The proposed Section 8 housing mandate and Lawful Source of Income being added as protective class in the City's new proposed Chapter 69 ordinance

Likely, new matters will arise in 2012. We want to wish you and yours a Happy New Year in 2012.

As we begin to Celebrate Christmas with family and friends

2011-12-23T17:10:00.006-06:00

Wow, Christmas weekend has arrived. It has been a very busy year in 2011 with our real estate and manufacturing businesses. Our kids are busy with education and work. I have been busy with community and public policy issues, along with family, business and Rotary International.

We want to wish all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays this year. Before we know it, we will be into 2012 and another Iowa Caucus will be in the books.

Our thoughts and prayers are especially with those traveling, ill, homeless, encountering violence, struggling, alone, under or unemployed this Holiday Season. We hope 2012 brings about a better community dialogue on a issues requiring attention. We need to turn the direction America is headed. The 2012 Presidential process, along with the Local, State and Federal elections will be very important for the direction our Republic and how America interacts with the World as a whole.

The changing of the seasons: Thanksgiving to Christmas, Football to Basketball, Autumn to Winter ...

2011-12-04T17:00:00.005-06:00

We witnessed the end of the College Football regular season on Saturday. Sport is always bitter sweet. Someone has to win and on the flip side, someone has to lose. Fans, often get restless, when their team they follow isn't performing up to the standards expected.

Will patience and hard work achieve the right outcome down the road?

We often learn most in life from our loses, our failures and our mistakes. There are more important things in life to be thankful for, than the win-loss record of our local team. After all, sport is only a game, but the experience of playing a team sport can help build character for the future ahead.

Over the past three months, we have enjoyed watching a variety of sports.

George Washington High School sports, especially prep football

Opening kickoff of the Green Bay Packers was outstanding! Some good games to date!

The Washington Warriors win @ Linn-Mar in playoff football game brought great joy!

Iowa, Iowa State, Nebraska and a variety of college football games (Note: UNI plays Friday on ESPN in the FCS playoffs). There were plenty of highs and lows this season. Enjoyed the fellowship of the Alabama-LSU game party with friends!

Enjoyed the Creighton men's basketball season getting off to a great start, with a solid win @ UAB, the win over Iowa at Wells Fargo in Des Moines and being in the house for the solid win over Campbell on Black Friday at CenturyLink Center Omaha.

After enjoying season tickets, since 1974, with my parents; then, Carole and I decided to not renew our tickets to the University of Iowa. It was odd at first, but it was nice to focus on work and home a little bit more on football Saturdays. I was pleased to attend the Iowa-MSU game, with some old high school day friends. I have enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers get off to a strong start in 2011.

Our Rotary Club has moved to a new location in 2011. In November, just before Thanksgiving, we enjoyed another joint Rotary Club meeting. Rotary International President (2010-2011) and Rotary Foundation President (2011-2012) Ray Klinginsmith as our Joint Rotary keynote speaker. I continued to volunteer at Rotary Pribyl Junior Boys Golf Tournament this year. One of our joint projects that our Metro Rotary Clubs perform. On Monday meeting of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids will feature, our District Governor Jim Patton.

On Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I and others spoke at the City Council meeting in Cedar Rapids, on the upcoming proposed public hearing and first reading. On Tuesday, a Public Hearing will be held on a recommended complete revision of Chapter 69, Civil Rights code for our community. Congress did not pass Lawful Sources of Income, as a protected class, out of committee. Constitutional issues and property right issues have been mentioned, as a reason. We would recommend all residential property owners in Cedar Rapids listen and learn about this issue and the impact it will have on their rights, if passed in the current form. Letters are flowing into the City Clerk's office on this issue.

The Gazette should learn that the State of California considers the Lawful Sources of Income issue as a "protected characteristic" and the State of California has reversed the language, as a "protected class" per I.L. "Tommy" Tucker, a long-term Civil Rights Commission member in Cedar Rapids and my father. The term "protected characteristic" is likely not found in Iowa Code, so this issue may be more appropriate at the State level, rather than local.

Why Should Lawful Sources of Income become a Protected Class in our community?
The U.S. Constitution, the Iowa State Constitution and the City Charter of Cedar Rapids[pdf] are important references, when we have a community conversation. We are hopeful that our City Council members will be prudent and ask the Civil Rights Commission on Chapter 69 to go back to the community for amendments and rework. The City Council will discuss this matter at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday at a Public Hearing during the Council Meeting for December 6Th.

Iowa, Creighton, Nebraska and Thanksgiving 2011 ...

2011-11-19T22:52:00.004-06:00
We get ready to welcome Thanksgiving week this year. It is a little different, with the changes in the college football landscape.

As a child, Thanksgiving would always include a great family feast and a little NFL football on television. While in college, I had the opportunity to spend a Thanksgiving with one my classmate's family in Oklahoma City. We drove down to Dallas and attended the Cowboys game vs. St. Louis for the holiday.

Over the years, Thanksgivings in Nebraska have been popular. The big family feast on Turkey Day, then then the Nebraska-Oklahoma games, which later became the Nebraska-Colorado games on Black Friday. Now, there is a football game that involves both Iowa and Nebraska, with the first Heroes Game in Lincoln, kicking off, as the Cornhuskers joined the Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Conference this year.

Iowa vs. Nebraska in Big Ten football

On Sunday, my alma mater, Creighton (3-0) meets in Des Moines' Wells Fargo Arena for a men's college basketball game with Iowa (3-0). It is the fifth time, since my graduation that both teams have met. The last time both teams meet was in the first round of the 2001 NCAA Basketball Tournament. Iowa has played, since in the NCAAs.

Two of our children are enjoying a week off of school for Thanksgiving. Another one of our daughters is off to Colorado to visit an old high school classmate. We look forward to spending Thanksgiving with the entire family again this year.

It should be interesting on Black Friday with the big football game. It will be interesting seeing Iowa playing after Thanksgiving regularly now, with the new Big Ten Conference. It's old hat for Nebraska, but it will be interesting with them now in the Big Ten.

One Week Away: the RPI Straw Poll in Ames

2011-08-06T08:49:00.006-05:00

In 2007, Carole and I attended the straw poll in Ames and supported a former Midwestern governor for President. The window of opportunity wasn't open for the Man we supported that day. He likely was four years too late. His experience and ideals were very good though.

At the same time, across the State of Iowa, the majority of Iowans were crazy for Hope. A young Senator from Illinois, who had not even completed his first term of Federal office, became the bright hope of a State. The Nation jumped on the Hopewagon! In November 2008, Barack Obama was elected to America's highest office, as our 44Th President of the United States. From this link, some strong concerns from another person named Robin, who lives in Berkeley.
However, as one brochure points out: "Leadership Isn't About: fancy speeches and empty promises ... "

Over the past ten years, our nation has made some very poor decisions in Washington D.C., we are seeing problems in public policy making at the State and local levels, as well. The Economic news has become very grim. The Economist next week will make the following comment on their cover: "Time for a double dip?"

The problems facing our nation are severe. But we can overcome them. We will
grow our economy if we shrink our government. We will create good jobs if we
encourage job creators. And our children will be free to pursue their dreams if
we rescue them from our debts. - Tim Pawlenty

Friday night, I had the opportunity to meet another former Midwestern Governor, who is seeking to become our 45Th President of the United States. We would recommend that he is worthy of strong consideration next Saturday at the RPI Straw Poll, as well as the Iowa Caucus and during the Presidential nomination process, when hits full bore in 2012.

A two-term Governor from the Midwest

He supports "A Fairer Pro-Growth Tax Code"

He is saying "Stop the Spending"

He wants to "End Big Bank Bailouts & Corporate Handouts"

He is calling for "Reform" in "Entitlement Programs"

He wants to "Repeal ObamaCare"

"He speaks like a Midwesterner" - a friend and local businessman told me in saying that he was impressed with the Governor's conversation with those in attendance

A guy at lunch on Friday in Cedar Rapids didn't like me calling it ObamaCare. Well, I don't remember the President vetoing the legislation that had less support in the House, than "Cut, Cap and Balance" in the recent Debt Ceiling vote. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has major problems, as Bill Miller of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce pointed on in an e-mail on Friday. When ObamaCare was passed, members of the House suggested "we'll have to pass the bill so you can find out what's in it."

"Time has passed and our fears have revealed what everyone suspected the bill would contain; massive costs, waves of new regulations and costly mandates to the business community," wrote Bill Miller in the recent e-mail on Friday. "This is not timely news for an economy that cannot afford higher unemployment rates and more impediments to growth in the private sector."

We need a change in Leadership in Washington D.C.

The problems facing our nation are severe. But we can overcome them. We will grow our economy if we shrink our government. We will create good jobs if we encourage job creators. And our children will be free to pursue their dreams if we rescue them from our debts. - Tim Pawlenty

"Together we'll change our country, and this time it'll be for the better."

We need real leadership to tackle the challenges our country faces. That's why I'm supporting Tim Pawlenty to get our country back on track!

Become a part of the team at http://action.timpawlenty.com

Robin Tucker

Welcome the the 24Th President of Creighton University

2011-07-01T17:04:00.003-05:00
The University of Nebraska joined the Big Ten Conference officially on July 1, 2011. In Omaha, Creighton University welcomes Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., as the 24Th President. It is return of sorts for Lannon, since he completed his undergraduate education at Creighton in 1973.

I completed my undergraduate education at Creighton 25 years ago this year. Some great memories on the Hilltop. It is great to hear the campus is doing very well. A friend of our oldest daughter's received her degree in May from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Our niece will be a junior at Creighton in the Fall. Last night, our daughter, a student at the University of Northern Iowa, had her "Cage the Jays" shirt on.

This winter in men's basketball, Creighton and the Iowa Hawkeyes will play a non-conference game at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Last year, native Iowan Greg McDermott became Creighton's men's basketball coach.

Can you believe we are half way into 2011 already?

We want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Independence Day holiday weekend. We especially want to thank our men and women who serve our Country keeping our American dream of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness alive.

Robin Tucker

Another Tax on Small Business is coming down the pike per U.S. Chamber of Commerce

2011-06-16T15:28:00.003-05:00
As a small businessman, we are concerned about the economic impact this will have for our business, our customers and clients. The following information was passed on recently from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. We are members of the local Chamber of Commerce in Cedar Rapids.

Repeal
Withholding Now is a project of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in
partnership with the Government Withholding Relief Coalition,
as part of our collective efforts to repeal the 3% Withholding Tax -- another
roadblock for small businesses when they can least afford it.

The 3%
Withholding Tax will mandate that federal, state, and local governments withhold
3% from payments for goods and services, not only causing an unprecedented
paperwork burden for the government and companies who provide goods or services
to them, but forcing firms to increase costs to offset the impact of delayed
payments and disrupting business's cash flows. Through our site, you can take
action by encouraging Congress to repeal this burdensome withholding tax and
job-killing mandate, and instead focus on measures that will create jobs.
The negative impact on our life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is very real in today's economic times.

Robin Tucker

What type of Recommendations should be made to the City Council from the Charter Review Commission?

2011-06-10T19:25:00.007-05:00

Shouldn't the Home Rule Charter for the City of Cedar Rapids have the following article added? ARTICLE IX. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES. The following is an e-mail I have sent to the Charter Review Commission for future discussion.

I thought my fellow members might find this interesting from the City of
Iowa City taken from the CITIZEN GUIDE TO THE IOWA CITY HOME RULE CHARTER.
- February 2006

What is a "Charter Review Commission"?

The Charter Review Commission is a group of citizens appointed by the City
Council at least once every ten (10) years to review the Charter and
recommend amendments to Council. Council must either pass an ordinance
adopting the recommended amendments or submit the recommended amendments to the voters. The third, and most recent, Commission was established by
Council resolution on March 16, 2004, and began their work in May, 2004. The
Commission submitted its recommendations to amend the charter on January 19,
2005, and Council adopted all the recommendations by ordinance on March 1,
2005. Minutes and reports of the four (4) Charter Commissions, including the
original Charter Commission, are available in the City Clerk’s office.

What is meant by "Home Rule"?
"Home Rule" is the broad, although not unlimited, constitutional grant of
power to every city in Iowa authorizing self-governance. Municipal Home
Rule became effective in 1968 by virtue of an amendment to the Iowa
Constitution, voted on by the people. Later, the legislature adopted Iowa
Code Section 364.1 as part of the Home Rule Act, to complement the
Constitution. That section states, in part: “A city may,
except as expressly limited by the Constitution, and if not inconsistent
with the laws of the general assembly, exercise any power and perform any
function it deems appropriate to protect and preserve the rights,
privileges, and property of the city or of its residents, and to preserve
and improve the peace, safety, health, welfare, comfort,
and convenience of its residents.” The Iowa Supreme Court has issued many
opinions on the powers and limits of Home Rule. Determining whether a
particular local ordinance or resolution is authorized by Home Rule in any
particular instance requires a legal analysis.

(The above is from Iowa City's Citizen's Guide) - pulled from a Google
search.

*** Further, follow up to my comment on Section 2.06 Mayor. Section (a) on
"appoint with the advice and consent of the council the members of the
citizen advisory boards and commissions at the June 9, 2011 (meeting) just before we adjourned for the evening.

Here is some background information on my thoughts for the Home
Rule Charter. This includes a recommendation for a new section of our City
Charter, due to the recommendation I was about to make at our June 9Th
meeting to eliminate the Mayor's Power to "appoint with the advice and
consent of the council the members of citizen advisory boards and
commissions."

We should consider having a discussion at one of our meetings on the issue
of Boards, Commissions and Committees, which does not have a separate
section presently in the Charter. Other Home Rule cities do have sections
covering this aspect of municipal government.
Please don't create a meeting online, but I do want everyone to have time
to reflect on my discussion that was cut off, due to adjournment at last
night's meeting.

I would suggest Article IX. - Boards, Commissions and Committees for
consideration at our upcoming meetings.

Here is an example of it in the City of Iowa City Charter.

ARTICLE V. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

Section 5.01. Establishment.

With the exception of the police citizens review board, the council may
establish boards in addition to those required by state law and shall
specify the title, duties, length of term, qualifications of members and
other appropriate matters. The council may reduce or increase a board's
duties, transfer duties from one board to another or dissolve any board,
except as otherwise provided by state law or this charter.

A. There shall be a permanent police citizens review board, which shall
have vested in it the following minimum powers:

1. To hold at least one community forum each year for the purpose of
hearing citizens' views on the policies, practices, and procedures of the
Iowa City police department, and to make recommendations regarding such
policies, practices, and procedures to the city council;

2. To investigate citizen claims of misconduct by sworn police officers
and to issue independent reports of its findings to the city council; and

3. The authority to subpoena witnesses. (Res. 07-262, 8-31-2007)

Section 5.02. Appointment; Removal.

The council shall, subject to the requirements of state law, seek to provide broad
representation on all boards. The council shall establish procedures to give
at least thirty days' notice of vacancies before they are filled and shall
encourage applications by citizens. Council procedures for the removal of
members shall be consistent with state law. (Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005)

Section 5.03. Rules.

A. The council shall establish rules and procedures for the operation of
all boards, which must include but are not limited to, the adoption of
by-laws and rules pertaining to open meetings and open records. (Ord.
05-4152, 3-1-2005)

B. The council shall specify, for each board, methods for informal and
formal communication with council, time schedules for the completion of
reports requested by council and such rules as it deems appropriate.

C. A board may establish additional rules and procedures that are
consistent with state law, council rules, and this charter. (Ord. 76-2792,
1-2-1976)

After the feedback at a Civil Rights Community Forum on Saturday, June 4,
2011, it may be prudent to consider adopting the Article as written by the
City of Iowa City. A recent request by a citizen who has spent countless
hours of participation at local City Council meetings and local forums, it
appears time to consider for our Community. A Community - Police
Relations Board, according to the ICMA in 2006, found that 13.9% of
communities surveyed had one within their community.

Karl Cassel with the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission, Robin Kash with
the Neighborhood Network News, Dedric Doolin with the NAACP Chapter in
Cedar Rapids would be among the people to contact to get feedback on this
issue. They were all at the Community Forum on June 4 sponsored by the
Civil Rights Commission.

I was going to ask Mayor Halloran last night, about the process they used
during her tenure in appointments for boards and commissions. Due to time
constraints, I thought it would be more appropriate to send an e-mail in
advance, so you can read ahead of time for next week's meeting, which is
at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, June 16, 2011 at City Hall North.

Have a great weekend.
Respectfully,
Robin Tucker
Commission Member

Here is some background information on another important aspect of our Home Rule Charter. CEDAR RAPIDS BOARD OF ETHICS RULES AND PROCEDURES, which was adopted on July 12, 2007.

What do you think of the Home Rule Charter? Visit the Charter Review Commission's web page.

Robin Tucker

Happy Cinco de Mayo and Happy Birthday ...

2011-05-05T22:34:00.004-05:00
Yes, it is May 5Th, my brother's birthday. Of course, it is also Cinco de Mayo!

Tonight, I attended the first meeting of the Charter Review Commission. It is nice to join Nancy Bruner again on a commission. Nancy and I served on the original Home Rule Charter Commission, back in 2004-05. For more information on our form of government in Cedar Rapids.

If you have any comments for the Commission, please feel free to let us know, as we work to develop the process that will be used for the Charter Review.

Past mayors Pate and Halloran lead Cedar Rapids’ Charter Review Commission ahead - The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS — Two former mayors Thursday night convened the city’s Charter Review Commission, which will take the next 90 days to review the city’s six-year-old Home Rule Charter and, perhaps, recommend some tweaks or changes to it ...

Robin Tucker

Happy May Day: May 1, 2011

2011-05-01T11:21:00.008-05:00
It's nice to welcome the Month of May 2011.

Birthstone: Emerald
Flower: Lily-of-the-Valley and Hawthorne

We celebrate some enjoyable occassions throughout the month of May. Many will enjoy high school and college graduations. We enjoyed that in 2010, with a middle school and high school event. Our oldest graduated from college in December 2010.

May 1 - Happy May Day

May 2 - Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids will enjoy breakout meetings

May 3 - National Teachers Day

May 5 - Cinco De Mayo, as well as my brother's birthday

May 5 - the Charter Review Commission will begin formal work for City

May 5 - National Day of Prayer - always the first Thursday in May each year

May 6 - TGIF - first Friday in the month of May

May 8 - Mother's Day and my birthday (Harry S. Truman was also born on this date)

May 9 - My father's birthday

May 12 - Nurses Day

May 15 - Peace Officers Memorial Day

Police Week is the third week in May for 2011

National Transportation Week is the third week in May for 2011

May 19 - the Jewish holiday: Shavou'ot

May 21 - Armed Forces Day

May 22 - National Maritime Day

May 23 - Victoria Day

May 30 - Memorial Day falls on the traditional day this year

National Transportation Week Week that includes 3rd Fri in May

Robin Tucker

Good Friday and April 22, 2011 ...

2011-04-22T16:56:00.006-05:00
This year, we celebrate a late Easter, with Good Friday on April 22 ...

On April 22, 1912, at the recommendation of President William Howard Taft, the U.S. Chamber was established to be the voice of the American business community before Congress, the White House, and regulatory agencies.

On April 22, 1970, Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in.

We are looking forward to celebrating the Easter weekend as a family. We want to wish you and yours a safe and enjoyable Easter 2011.

Robin Tucker

Robin Tucker was appointed as one of the 13 members of the Cedar Rapids Charter Review Commission ...

2011-04-14T10:34:00.006-05:00

The City of Cedar Rapids at the recent regular City Council meeting on April 12, 2011, during the the consent agenda [PDF], appointed 13 members to serve on the Cedar Rapids Charter Review Commission. Section 7.02 of the Home Rule Charter [PDF] calls for a Charter Review Commission in the year 2011 and every ten years thereafter.
The Resolution appointed Paul Pate (co-chair), Kay Halloran (co-chair), Nancy Bruner, LaNisha Cassell, Monica Challenger, James Craig, Patricia (Tricia) Miller, Mary Nelson, Fatima Smejkal, Scott Overland, Robin Tucker, Nancy Welsh and Carleton Whiting (terms effective through 08/15/11) to the Charter Review Commission. Many of the Commissioners were taken from applications.
Background: The City’s Home Rule Charter Section 7.02 requires that a Charter Review Commission be established in 2011. The commission shall review the existing charter and may recommend any charter amendments that it deems appropriate to the council. Mayor Corbett along with all Council members each chose one individual and four at-large individuals to serve on the Charter Review Commission. The group’s final report should be submitted by 08/15/11. Recommendations by the charter can either be approved by the Council or submitted for voter approval. Ballots are printed in September for the November election and therefore recommendations from the Charter Review Commission must be submitted by August.
In 2004-05, the local Home Rule Charter Commission was formed, as 15 member commission to recommend to the voters an alternative form of goverment to the the current Commission form of government, at the time. In May 2005, the Home Rule Charter was constructed and presented to Mayor Paul Pate and the City Council. In June of 2005, by a vote of 69% support, the City of Cedar Rapids voted to move to Home Rule. The City had been under the old Commission form of government from 1908 to 2005. Cedar Rapids was one of the last cities above 100,000 still using the Commission form.
Today, the City of Cedar Rapids operates under the Home Rule Charter form of government as prescribed by Chapter 372 of the Code of Iowa. As section 4.01 as the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Code of Ordinances points out: The Home Rule Charter ("the charter") is set forth in this code as an unnumbered chapter. The Home Rule Charter [PDF] draws from the popular Iowa form of government: the Council-Manger form, along with some of the traditions of local government in Cedar Rapids, such as "citizen participation" in boards and commissions, which was a popular part of our commission form of government.
Nancy Bruner and Robin Tucker served together on the Home Rule Charter Commission in 2004-05. Ms. Bruner served as one of the co-chairs, while Mr. Tucker served as drafting chair on that previous commission. I look forward to the opportunity to serve with Nancy again, along with the other members who have been appointed the Commission.
The two co-chairs of the recently appointed Charter Review Commission are the most recent outgoing mayors for the City of Cedar Rapids. Mr. Pate was the last Mayor under the previous form of government, while Ms. Hollarn was the first Mayor elected under our Home Rule form of government. The other nine members of the Commission appear to represent a cross section of our community. Commission work is schedule to begin on May 5, 2011 and the Mayor and Council have instructed the Commission that they have until August 15, 2011 to compete the work of the Commission.

Robin Tucker

Where do you stand on the upcoming May 3 Local Option Sales Tax for Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, Robins, Fairfax and Linn County, Iowa?

2011-04-06T17:29:00.005-05:00
Signs are going up around Cedar Rapids. The professionally made "Vote Yes May 3" signs from Protect Cedar Rapids Committee campaigning for support of the May 3 Local Option Sales Tax. Of course, others are creating there own "Vote No" signs and sticking in their yards.
It is an important ballot measure for Cedar Rapids. The Pro-Tax group is conducting neighborhood meetings throughout the month of April, ahead of the May 3rd vote.
In the City of Cedar Rapids, the ballot language is as follows:

For the City of Cedar Rapids: Ten percent (10%) for Property Tax Relief; The specific purposes for which the revenues shall otherwise be expended are: Fifty percent (50%) to establish and maintain a flood protection system on both the east and west side of the Cedar River; and forty percent (40%) for existing street improvements. - Cedar Rapids - sample ballot for Metro area [PDF]

We encourage voters in Linn County to read the ballot language and get out and vote. For citizens outside the Metro Cedar Rapids area, here is the link to your ballot language.

The five communities of Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, Fairfax and Robins will vote as a block. The use of the tax will be different in each City, but they will vote it up or down together.

Robin Tucker

Happy April to you all, as the Final Four tips off on Saturday in Houston ...

2011-04-02T09:50:00.006-05:00
It's nice to see the signs of Spring, as the sunshine is out and a temperature of 55 degrees is expected on Saturday, April 2Nd in Cedar Rapids.

Saturday morning, I woke up early, so I enjoyed a podcast from On Iowa from The Gazette.

Podcast: ‘On Iowa’ tackles spring football, basketball recruiting - The Gazette The On Iowa podcast with Marc Morehouse and Scott Dochterman discusses Iowa's spring football depth chart, updates Iowa basketball recruiting and answers...

Last night, the end of the season came for Creighton basketball and first year head coach Greg McDermott, who moved back to The Valley this year, after four years at Iowa State. Sadly, the half court line at Oregon served as a sixth defender in the final half-minute, in a 69-71 loss by the Jays to the Ducks. The Dana Altman era is finally over. Ironically, Creighton played a best of three vs. Altman's Oregon Ducks to close out an extra month of basketball playing in the CBI Tournament sponsored by Zebra Pens.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/LLXEfju9b8U - Hopefully, this link will work, since I could not embed for some reason into our blog post. Here's a photo (see right) from the Rivals Network showing the unique nature of the half court line at the University of Oregon's new basketball arena.

Hey, how good are Zebra Pens? It's ironic that the markings on the court are lighter than a pen mark! As Creighton's coach Mac said, he couldn't see the half court line from the coaches box. If the NCAA is going to allow this type of court markings, maybe the coaches box should be equal in marking or at minimum expanded, so the head coach for each team can clearly know where the half court mark is.

Next year, the University of Nebraska will join the Big Ten Conference in all sports, so the Wells Fargo game between Nebraska vs. Iowa has been changed. Now, Creighton vs. Iowa will tip off at Wells Fargo in the 2011-12 basketball season. After the final month of extra basketball in the books for the Jays, the game should be a very good one. Don't count the Jays out, despite the departure of four seniors this year. Creighton's top three players are back and all-Freshman and all-Valley first teamer Doug McDermott will likely be the third option, after sophomore center Gregory Echenique and junior guard Antonie Young who developed clearly as the first two options in McDermett's offense. This should only make Creighton stronger as a Valley title contender and team capable of making a run for the 2012 NCAA Tournament. Gonzaga transfer Grant Gibbs, a sophomore out of Marion should be on the roster for 2011-12 season.

The Final Four tips off this evening, 5 p.m. CDT, from Houston on CBS. For the second year in a row, the Championship Game will pit a major conference program (Duke in '10) vs. a mid-major program (Butler in '10). In my bracket picks back in March, only UConn remains on my sheet in the 2011 men's basketball tournament:

Kentucky - Wildcats beat UNC for the first time in the NCAAs and made the Final 4

UConn - like the UConn women, the Huskies are in the Final Four, as well

VCU - from "First Four" to "Final Four" ... simply a great 11Th seed story this year

Butler - back for the second straight year under fourth year coach Brad Stevens

The new format of 68 and new television line up with CBS, TBS, TNT and Tru have turned out very exciting. Clearly, there are some mid-majors that should have been considered for at-large, but we will always see a continued debate, as long as there are at-large teams for the NCAA Tournament.

Spring Football is going on throughout the Big Ten. The University of Iowa should be an exciting team in 2011. However, as Marc Morehouse and Scott Dochterman out in the podcast, Iowa needs players to step up on special teams with 22 seniors departed. Recruiting has been strong in Iowa City lately. Kirk Ferentz and his staff are adapting to the changing Big Ten landscape. The new division play format with 12 teams now should be very exciting for Iowa, Nebraska and the rest of the Big Ten.

In closing, love the future at Iowa, under first-year coach Fran McCaffery. Iowa was only 11-20 in 2010-11 in McCaffery's first season, but they were far more competitive, then the past couple of years under departed head coach Todd Lickliter. Sadly, it appears finding a low-level Division I job is going to be more difficult for Lickliter, only five seasons removed from a Sweet 16 run at Butler and winning the National Coach of the Year award.

Robin Tucker

The R&P Report for Monday, March 14, 2011...

2011-03-14T22:15:00.004-05:00

The R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman...

REVIEW

Short-Term Government Funding: Lawmakers in the House are moving ahead with another short-term continuing resolution (CR) that would keep federal agencies running past March 18, when the current spending law expires. Republicans and Democrats are able to agree on only two things in the current appropriations debate: Congress should avoid a government shutdown, and funding should be reduced in some areas. Beyond that, lawmakers have been unable to reach an agreement on how to fund the government through the end of September. The Senate defeated the current CR (H.R.1) by a vote of 44-56.

Spy Agencies: The House Intelligence Committee approved its annual authorization legislation that would set policies and spending for federal intelligence agencies. The bill seeks to limit leaks of classified information. In response to government information that appeared on the website WikiLeaks, the measure aims to make it more difficult to leak information to the public, other governments or rogue agents. The cost of the bill is classified. (H.R.754)

EPA Overreach?: Lawmakers have accused the Environmental Protection Agency of regulatory overreach and indifference to farmers as the agency toughens air quality rules on particulates. In one concession, the EPA said dairies would not be required to develop plans to contain large-scale milk spills. The agency is also expected to approve a blend of 15 percent ethanol in motor fuels for most U.S. vehicles, expanding biofuel markets.

FHA Program Termination: The House passed a measure that would permanently cancel funding for the Federal Housing Administration Refinancing Program which allows underwater borrowers who are current on their loans to refinance into an FHA-insured mortgage if their lender agrees to write off at least 10 percent of their principal. The bill goes next to the Senate. (H.R.830)

Debit Card Fees: Hundreds of small-business owners stormed Capitol Hill in an effort to sink a bipartisan draft bill that that would delay limits on debit card fees charged by banks.

PREVIEW

Rewriting No Child Left Behind:

A group Suspected Terrorist Detainees: Lawmakers in the House and Senate are considering legislation that would require all future detainees to be held in military, not civilian, custody unless the Secretary of Defense explicitly granted a waiver. That provision is aimed at limiting the likelihood of criminal trials in civilian courts, even for terror suspects detained within the U.S. The House version would bar families of current Guantánamo detainees from visiting them. The Senate version would not.

Pentagon Programs Funding Squeeze: In a draft bill, the Senate Budget Committee delivered a bipartisan message to the Defense and State departments that called for budget cuts even in the midst of war to help address the national debt.

2012 Budget Cuts: Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), chairman of the House Budget Committee, announced he will unveil a fiscal 2012 budget resolution next month. The measure is expected to propose changes to entitlement programs — possibly including Medicaid and Medicare — that most experts agree are the major drivers behind the ballooning federal deficit. For more information and to voice your opinion on this issue, click here.

Public Broadcasting Corporation Funding: Lawmakers are considering a Senate Democratic amendment to a House-passed spending bill that would provide $445 million in funding to the PBC for fiscal 2013. The House-passed spending bill would zero out CPB funding for fiscal 2013. Democratic lawmakers trying to fend off GOP efforts to ban funding for public broadcasting say their work was made tougher when a video surfaced this week showing an National Public Radio executive disparaging the GOP and tea party members. (H.R.1) Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

The Week Ahead: The House is expected to once again take the lead on a short-term CR aimed at preventing a government shutdown which the Senate would have to clear before the current extension expires by week’s end. The Senate is scheduled to vote on a judicial nomination and a small business technology bill before addressing the CR.

Locally, what's happening in government affairs?

Look for Mayor Ron Corbett and the City Council to announce the Charter Review Commission at the first City Council meeting in April. The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking applicants to fill the final positions for the proposed 13 member citizen board/commission

Debate continues in Iowa over enforcing records, meeting laws - The Gazette
DES MOINES — Attorney General Tom Miller says people who criticize his enforcement of Iowa’s Public Records and Open Meetings laws as too lax are mistaken...

State of Iowa will honor final WWI vet to pass: Frank Woodruff Buckles
Half-staff flags to honor Cpl. Frank Buckles, World War I vets - WaterlooCedarFalls Courier
Mar 14, 2011 ... Terry Branstad has ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset Tuesday in honor ... Buckles was the last known surviving American veteran of World War I. Born in Missouri, Buckles died Feb. ...
Defense.gov News Article: Last American WWI Veteran Dies - American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2011 – Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last surviving American World War I veteran, died yesterday at his ...
Robin Tucker

Hello to all on Selection Sunday, March 13, 2011 ...

2011-03-13T13:38:00.007-05:00
Another week is wrapping up or beginning depending on how you look at your weekly calender.

Selection Sunday: NCAA Big Dance

Saturday was for 15Th annual Mo Show with a little volunteering and mo entrainment

Friday was news of the awful earthquake and tsunami in Japan

Thursday was for the arrival family from Omaha and a birthday in the family

Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent

Fat Tuesday

Monday was for Rotary

Not the year for the State of Iowa or Creighton ...

It appears seven Big Ten teams are likely in, looking at Bracketology 2011

The expected Ohio State vs. the surprising Penn State in the Big Ten Tournament Final

UNI made the Sweet 16 in 2010, but no local teams will Dance in 2011

The UNI women, along with Iowa and Iowa State should get an opportunity this season to participate in the Dance on the ladies side

The Valley is a one team conference for the men, sorry Missouri State!

Great Mo Show this past Saturday at Washington High School, as we enjoyed volunteering, as well as our visit from family from Omaha hear to watch Vivace and Momentum, as well as the other show choirs from Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. Following Momentum's performance, we enjoyed a surprise birthday party for one of our daughters.

Received a nice link from my alma mater this past week. Lent - 2011: March 9- April 20 and the online ministries at Creighton University has a nice Praying Lent web page. May Our Lord grant us all the graces we need and desire.

Last Monday, the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids had a program on the new Events Center in Downtown Cedar Rapids, which will revitalize the current Five Seasons Hotel and U.S. Cellular Center, along with a new convention center and parking lot to serve our community.

Don't forget to pull together your brackets before Tuesday and the kickoff of the Road to Houston for 2011. March Madness begins, now with 68 teams playing, with an interesting First Four bracket kicking off on Tuesday and Wednesday. The final four 16 seeds will face one another in two games, along with the final four in at-larges as 12 seeds playing in the other two game in the new First Four bracket on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Robin Tucker

Update on Charter Review Commission for the City of Cedar Rapids ...

2011-03-08T15:40:00.006-06:00

The City of Cedar Rapids provided the following press release to us on Monday. It was an update on the City's Charter Review Commission timetable.

Additional Applicants Needed for Charter Review Commission

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – March 4, 2011 – The Cedar Rapids City Council will establish a Charter Review Commission in the next few weeks. The commission members shall review the existing charter and may recommend charter amendments to the Mayor and City Council. The 2011 Charter Review Commission will be comprised of 13 members.

In January 2011, the Mayor and City Council accepted applications for the Charter Review Commission. Of the 19 applications received, only four were from women. Most of the applications were from individuals who lived on the east side of the Cedar River.

Beginning immediately, the City Council will accept additional applications for the upcoming Charter Review Commission appointments. Women who live on the west side of the Cedar River are encouraged to apply.

Applications are available on the city’s website at http://www.cedar-rapids.org/government/boardsandcommissions/pages/howtoapply.aspx or at City Hall, 3851 River Ridge Drive NE. Applications must be returned to the City Manager’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2011.

Please call 286-5080 for additional details.

Robin Tucker

I had the pleasure of serving on the 2004-05 Local Home Rule Charter Review Commission with 14 other members of our community, which wrote our local home rule charter. The voters in June of 2005 adopted the Council-Manager form of government by a vote of 69%. The new Charter Review Commission will review our current charter and make recommendations on how to make our Council-Manager form of government more effective. One of the many community processes for 2011.

Monday, March 7, 2011 ...

2011-03-07T16:32:00.003-06:00
This past Saturday was exciting to see Iowa upset #6 Purdue to close out the Big Ten regular season. The Creighton Bluejays season ended at the hands of Missouri State in the semifinals, after beating UNI in the quarterfinals of the men's Arch Madness game in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

Washington High School had WPA on Thursday night. We enjoyed the pre-dance festivities involving many youngsters and parents.

We are less than two months away from the May 3Rd Local Option Sales Tax vote. How should a flood protection system be funded by the City of Cedar Rapids? Should local option sales tax money be used to help fix our roads that have been hit with deferred maintenance? It is an important community conversation.

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids on Monday, March 7Th had a program on the new Events Center for Cedar Rapids. The U.S. Cellular Center and Five Season's Hotel will be renovated and a new convention center will be added, with additional parking.

Last week, the Washington Warriors saw the ladies fall in the First Round of the girls State basketball tournament. On Wednesday, the boys will play Linn-Mar in the First Round of the boys State basketball tournament.

We received this week's R&P Report by fax, so it's not as easy to pass on.

In Washington D.C., the Federal Government voted to extend the government for another two weeks. Will legislation be hammered out that will avoid a government shutdown at the end of the week?

The U.S. House passed H.R. 4 Small Business Paperwork Mandate, which will repeal the 1099 reporting expansion to include payments of $600 or more to corporations. The bill now goes to the Senate.

H.R. 662 Highway Funding passed the U.S. House last week. This is a multi year law reauthorizing extension of federal-aid highway, highway safety, transit and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund.

Preview of this week in Washington ...
Arab Pro-Democracy: Democrat sponsored legislation pushing for more aid for Arab pro-democracy movements.
Abortion Funding: H.R. 3 to prohibit taxpayer funded abortions. The bill would not pertain to cases of rape, incest or when the mother's life is danger.
Rewriting No Child Left Behind
Medicare Accountability
Defense of Marriage Bill: H.R. 875 would allow funds for the House to defend in court the Defense of Marriage bill, when on Feb. 23 the Obama administration announced that it would abandon its legal defense of the law.
Patent Law Revision: S. 23 would make "first to file" - instead of "first to invent" - the guiding principle behind awarding patents.
National Defense and Spending Cuts: Both political parties are in disagreement over extent of GOP proposed cutbacks to department funding
For more information, we recommend you join http:/www.NWYC.com. A great source for what is going on in Congress.
Robin Tucker

March 1, 2011 ... Happy Anniversary on Founders Day

2011-03-01T19:49:00.005-06:00
It was 1868, on a Sunday evening, at the University of Virginia, and a group of six men came together to form a fraternity.

I had the pleasure to be involved in our local chapter that was doing outstanding work while I was attending Creighton University. We proudly were recognized by the national fraternity as a Smythe chapter each of the years I attended Creighton.

There were a lot of good memories over the four years I attended Creighton ...

In the Bonds,

Robin Tucker
Theta Lambda '84

Reflecting on the Past Week and looking ahead to the Week ahead ...

2011-02-20T12:53:00.008-06:00
Last Monday, our Rotary Club held it's first meeting at our new location, the Scottish Rite Temple. The Cedar Rapids West Rotary have been meeting there, since The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library was knocked out by the Flood of 2008.

For the past 32 years, the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids held meetings at the Five Seasons Hotel in the Ballroom. The Ballroom, which has been part of the Five Seasons Center, now U.S. Cellular Center, was closed recently for redevelopment of the arena, hotel and completion of a new event center, which will have a new ballroom and convention space for our community.

Ironically, the movie "Cedar Rapids" was released this week in our Community. The hotel in the movie doesn't exist in our community. Originally, they were going to film in Des Moines, but due to the film tax credit scandal, the filming of the movie was moved to the State of Michigan. Like the movie "Ice Castles", which portrayed Cedar Rapids in the 1970s as having an indoor ice facility at the time, Cedar Rapids remains in need of a true convention center. The Events Center is the latest plan to overcome that shortcoming.

On Tuesday afternoon, the City held a neighborhood meeting at First Lutheran Church to discuss the traffic changes and road improvements associated with the closing of Second Avenue SE between 10Th and 12Th streets and the new PCI medical mall. The taxpayers of Cedar Rapids are contributing to this project with $13.24 million.

Improvements to 13Th Street SE at corner of Third Avenue SE

Traffic pattern changes on Third Avenue SE from 10Th Street to 13Th Street SE from one-way to two-way

Third Avenue SE lane marking changes from Seventh Street SE to 13Th Street SE

Improvements of intersection at Eighth Street SE at Second Avenue SE

Changes to Tenth Street SE from First Avenue to Third Avenue, which will begin and continue to be completed throughout the construction of PCI.
Second Avenue SE will likely close as early as April 1, 2011 between 10Th and 12Th. By the end of May 2011, Third Avenue SE should be ready for two-way traffic between 10Th and 13Th per the City's comments at the neighborhood meeting.

A community activist brought up the following web site in our community early in the week. On Tuesday night, at a meeting I was attending, I ran into some of the people associated with that web site. I was told that it mirrors another community's alternative media. In 2004-05, when I served on the Home Rule Charter Commission that formulated our current form of government in our community. The following group began to provide me with information, while I served on that commission. It will be interesting to see, if I begin to hear from them again, if I am appointed to the Charter Review Commission? I haven't heard from them lately, other than one of the members wrote a column on Dr. Ralph Plagman and our local schools. The group was against the SILO for Linn County schools in February 2007.

"Urban Legend" comment on Wednesday in Cedar Rapids ...

On Wednesday, Mayor Ron Corbett was the luncheon program for the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors. He gave a very well organized presentation on the local economy, the three sides in flood protection funding (Federal, State and local) and his reasons why he wants to place a public measure for a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) extension, with new ballot language on May 3Rd. The current LOST was approved in March 2009 and will run through 2014.

The official ballot language has not been defined yet by the City Council, so we don't know how well written the public measure will be? On Wednesday, people commented to the Mayor about the ballot language. The community on May 3Rd will likely vote on whether to extend the LOST another 20 years for flood protection walls and repairs on existing public roads in Cedar Rapids. The rest of Linn County will be voting on May 3Rd for language and use for the municipal or unincorporated area they live.

Plenty of visits about taxation began on Monday at Rotary and continued throughout the week of February 14Th, St. Valentine's Day. How should flood protection walls and deferred existing road maintenance be paid in our community? Property taxes vs. sales taxes?

The public policy discussion and the need to develop opportunities to encourage a community dialogue continues to be strong in Cedar Rapids. As we look out at the Middle East and Northern Africa to Madison, WI and onto the State House, there are a lot of challenges ahead.

On Saturday, Vivace did well in Davenport at a show choir competition there. All three Washington High School show choirs performed in Davenport's competition.

On Sunday, NASCAR will start the 2011 racing season with the Daytona 500, with Cedar Rapids native finishing strong in Nationwide race.

This coming week ...

Local Realtors have a government affairs meeting on President's Day to discuss proposed Chapter 69 changes with Leonard Sandler, a University of Iowa Law professor working with the local civil rights commission. Then, a bus-in for Iowa Realtors to the State Capitol on Tuesday for our annual visit with the State Legislature and other members of State Government.

Tuesday night, the City Council Regular Session will be held. The Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2012 City Budget and ten year capital improvement program is the #1 item on the Agenda for the February 22Nd City Council meeting.

Wishing all a safe and enjoyable week ahead.

Robin Tucker

Happy St. Valentine's Day to all on this February 14, 2011 ...

2011-02-14T18:50:00.002-06:00

It's St. Valentine's Day ... so may you have a safe and enjoyable day and week, this February
14, 2011!

Robin Tucker

Happy Groundhog's Day, so is it 6 more weeks of Winter or What?

2011-02-02T17:13:00.005-06:00
Quiet Day at the office today, with most of the staff making it a "snow day" with the 12" of snow overnight. Downtown Cedar Rapids was very quiet, with many businesses closed.

Congratulations to coach Kirk Ferentz and the Class of 2011 for the Iowa Football team on National Signing Day. Nice group of new Hawkeyes headed to Iowa City this fall, with 22 players signed and two to three likely more, once they can get to school to fax in their LOIs.

The University of Iowa recently saw thirteen Iowa players hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis. It was nice to see Kirk Ferentz address the media today, regarding the recent health scare and today's signing day. Ferentz is a great leader and it was nice to hear him reflect on the timeline and the circumstances involved with the hospitalizations. Further, Ferentz reflected on S&C coach Chris Doyle and they work he does for the Hawkeyes. Like with the South Carolina swim team in 2007, will the experts come to a conclusion of why did this happen?

Robin Tucker

Schools are closing early today, as Cedar Rapids expects 8"-10" of snow and 30-40 mph winds ...

2011-02-01T11:00:00.005-06:00

As February blows in, we get ready for a winter storm here in the Heartland of Iowa. News from KCRG-TV9 and The Gazette on the upcoming weather here ...

Robin Tucker

Heck, my alma mater, Creighton moved tip-off of tonight's basketball game to 3 p.m., due to the pending storm ...

The R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman for the week of Monday, January 31st ...

2011-01-31T18:00:00.005-06:00

A service of National Write Your Congressman

http://www.nwyc.com/
Vol. 15 No. 3
Monday, January 31, 2011

REVIEW

Medicare: House GOP members are considering a draft measure to privatize Medicare that would be included in their alternative to President Obama’s annual budget. Under one scenario, people who turn 65 on or after January 1, 2021, would receive a voucher to buy private insurance in the “exchanges” expected to be formed by the new health care law. Meanwhile, the eligibility age for Medicare would increase incrementally from its current 65 years of age to 69 for those born in 2022 and later.

Balanced Budget Amendment: Republicans in the House have introduced a balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution. The measure, which would require two-thirds approval of both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states, would require that federal spending in any year not exceed total revenue, cap federal spending at 20 percent of gross domestic product and require the president to submit a balanced budget to Congress every year. The amendment would also require a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

Presidential Campaign Spending: The House passed the first in what promises to be a series of measures aimed at reducing the budget deficit, starting with ending a program that provides public funding during presidential elections. The bill would terminate the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the move would reduce mandatory spending by $617 million over 10 years. (H.R. 359) Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

Race to the Top: President Obama urged Congress to model a rewrite of federal education law on the administration’s signature competitive grant, Race to the Top. The program provides federal money to states that tie teacher pay to student achievement, adopts common curriculum standards and expands charter schools, among other strategies.

Small-Business Programs: The Senate cleared by unanimous consent a four-month extension of small-business programs through May 31. The goal of the programs is to make funds more readily available to small business owners. (H.R. 366)

Senate Rule Changes: The Senate approved a standing order curtailing “secret holds” that senators use to anonymously block legislation and nominations. Party leaders agreed that majority Democrats will allow Republicans to offer more amendments to bills, and in return Republicans will not block legislation from coming to the Senate floor for consideration. Lawmakers also approved an order to prevent senators from forcing the reading of legislation or an amendment if the text has been available for 72 hours. New rules also eliminate the requirement for Senate confirmation of hundreds of executive nominations. Democrats were unable to get the two-thirds support necessary for approval for filibuster changes, including a measure that would have required senators to continuously talk if they want to filibuster legislation or a nomination.

PREVIEW

Federal Education Law: A panel of Senate members on the Education and Workforce Committee will begin hearings on the long-stalled rewrite of the No Child Left Behind program the week of Feb. 7.

Oil Spill Legislation: House and Senate Democratic leaders vowed to make oil spill legislation a top priority for the 112Th Congress, with two draft bills introduced in the House and a leading Senate Democrat promising to develop bipartisan legislation in the near future. The measures would establish new safety standards and improve oversight of the offshore oil industry.

Patriot Act: The chairmen of the House and Senate Judiciary committees will consider dueling proposals to reauthorize three sections of the anti-terrorism law known as the Patriot Act, which is set to expire at the end of February.

Nuclear Security: Pres. Obama announced plans to establish a jointly financed nuclear security center in China.

The week ahead: The House is in recess and is scheduled to reconvene Tuesday, Feb. 8. The Senate is expected to address oil spill legislation and continue work on measures that would help balance the budget.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for being a responsible American; your voice is making a difference.

Interesting to note that the House is not in session for this week. Out of Florida, Federal Judge has ruled that Obama health care law is unconstitutional. Headlines on Tuesday, February 1 ...

Robin Tucker

The R&P Report for Monday, January 24, 2011 ...

2011-01-24T16:23:00.004-06:00

A service of National Write Your Congressman
www.nwyc.com

Vol. 15 No. 2
Monday, January 24, 2011

The 112Th Congress is now in session. It’s leaders include:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV)
Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
53rd Speaker of the House, John Boehner (R-OH)
House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor (R-VA)
House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

REVIEW
Memorial Observances: After a week long pause to reflect on the shootings in Arizona that left six dead and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) critically injured, the House reconvened on Monday last week. The Senate remained on recess until Jan. 25.

Repealing the Health Care Law: After seven hours of debate, the House passed a measure (245-189) to repeal the health care law. The bill goes next to the Senate, where it is not expected to reach the floor of the Democrat–led chamber. President Obama has vowed to veto the repeal. Lawmakers also passed a resolution calling for legislation to replace the health care law. (H.R.2)

Regulatory Reform: President Obama passed an executive order that requires federal agencies to review health and safety regulations to determine if they are too burdensome on businesses, in which case they may be changed or repealed. The President sent two memorandums directing enforcement agencies to make compliance information easily accessible online and to look for ways to reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses. While Republicans had hoped to take the lead in regulatory reform, and say this proposal is remarkably similar to theirs, most are praising the move.

Stop the Overprinting: The House considered a bill that would eliminate a current requirement that copies of all bills and resolutions introduced by members of Congress automatically be printed. It would require that bills and resolutions be made available in electronic format accessible on the Internet and printed at members’ request. (H.R.292)

Mine Safety: Democratic lawmakers in the House called for passage of stricter mine safety regulations after a preliminary report blamed the fatal explosion at West Virginia’s Upper Big Branch mine on a series of safety violations.
PREVIEW

House Tax Reporting: The House and Senate plan to considered separate measures that would repeal the 1099 requirement in the health care law that calls for businesses to report to the IRS any payment over $600 made to a vendor. The requirement is estimated to bring in $19.2 billion over 10 years. The Senate’s repeal draft bill would include an offset of $39 billion in spending rescission's. ( H.R.4)

Spending Limits: The House is expected to vote on a resolution that would require the Budget Chairman, Paul Ryan (R-WI) to move toward setting non-security discretionary spending limits at fiscal 2008 levels. Democrats criticized the GOP rule, which they say would give Rep. Ryan too much power. Republicans countered that the authority was necessary to set enforceable spending limits since Congress failed to enact a budget resolution for fiscal 2011.

Tax Code Overhaul: The House Ways and Means committee has begun a series of hearings to tackle what could be the most significant corporate and individual tax overhaul in 25 years. Under the microscope are corporations that outsource jobs overseas and tax breaks for big oil and gas companies.

Medical Malpractice: The House is expected to address legislation that would revamp the medical malpractice liability system. Many GOP members blame it for increasing health care costs, while many Democrats says patients deserve to be compensated when they have been injured at the hands of their physicians.

Reducing Federal Spending: Lawmakers in the House are preparing a measure that would reduce federal spending by $2.5 trillion over 10 years,

The Week Ahead: The House will consider medical malpractice legislation. The Senate is expected to address the 1099 issue as it returns to Capitol Hill.

The Senate and House meet in a joint session Tuesday night to hear President Obama’s State of the Union speech.

The House this week considers a resolution to reduce fiscal 2011 appropriations at least to fiscal 2008 levels. The House also considers a bill to end public financing of presidential campaigns and party nominating conventions.

House and Senate committees hold hearings on the health care overhaul.

The Senate could continue debate on an overhaul of its rules, including those on filibusters, which the chamber had discussed before it recessed Jan. 5. Look for your action alert later today!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for being a responsible American; your voice is making a difference.

The year 2011 will be an interesting year for public policy at all levels, local, regional, state and Federal. At the Federal and State levels, we will likely continue to see the Tea Party movement to unfold. However, they appear focused more on Federal, than local issues.

At the State and local levels, the budget process will be extremely tight in 2011. In our local community of Cedar Rapids:
The Home Rule Charter is up for review for the City of Cedar Rapids
We will have redistricting across the State of Iowa. Iowa will lose a U.S. House member for the 2012 election
The City's FY 12 budget will be discussed heavily in the month of February
Changes to Chapter 69 of the municipal code have been recommended by the local civil rights commission
The City of Cedar Rapids will likely look to extend the Local Option Sales Tax for 20 years with a proposed May vote
Some in the City suggest that the City should revert back to our old form of government
The City will have elections in November for District 2, 4 and one at-large position
Robin Tucker

Go Pack Go ... 7-0 start, after Aaron Rodgers takes Packers down field to open NFC Championship Game ...

2011-01-23T14:09:00.004-06:00

Enjoy the NFC and AFC Championship Games everyone! The Road to Arlington has begun ...

The Super Bowl Champs of Games I, II and III (Green Bay and the New York Jets)
The all-time Super Bowl Champs (Pittsburgh Steelers)
and Da Bears from Chicago
Pretty darn good Final 4 heading towards Super Bowl 45 ...
Robin Tucker

With "Cedar Rapids" arriving at Sundance, it brings back memories of "Ice Castles" and the perceptions of Cedar Rapids ...

2011-01-23T13:05:00.005-06:00
Back in 1978, when "Ice Castles" was released, the story told of a ice skater coming to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for the Midwest ice skating championships. Of course, the problem was the City of Five Seasons at the time, we didn't have the Five Seasons Center build yet.

There was no indoor ice venue for the City of Cedar Rapids in 1978, when "Ice Castles" was on the Big Screen. The only top notch ice in Cedar Rapids at the time was on Manhattan Lake in Ellis Park, off the Cedar River. It was clearly outdoors, unlike the film.

Thankfully, we have an indoor venue for ice today in our community. A convention center has never been built yet, but one is coming. It will be interesting to see how the City of Cedar Rapids is portrayed in the upcoming movie.

'Cedar Rapids’ movie debuts tonight at Sundance - The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS — First Sundance, then the nation, then who knows? The world?

Now, we have a movie called "Cedar Rapids" being released in 2011. Of course, the film was filmed in Ann Arbor, rather than Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Will the perceptions of Cedar Rapids be true to what reality of our community is? Or, will it be more on the level of "Ice Castles" and a misrepresentation of our community?

Both films are fictional. But, when they use a real community, shouldn't the storyline be at least factual, when it comes to assets of the community being portrayed has?

Hey, didn't "All the Right Moves" pick a fictional community known as "Ampipe" to base the story on? Why not pick a real town in PA, like Johnstown?

So, will the producers and writers of "Cedar Rapids" portray our community fair? Or, should they have picked their own Ampipe, like other movies?

Robin Tucker

I am more of a College Football fan, than NFL fan, but I love this weekend's Final 4 for the Super Bowl

2011-01-22T09:43:00.004-06:00

On the Road to Super Bowl XLX a/k/a Super Bowl 45 on Sunday, February 6Th!

The AFC: the New York Jets vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers ...

The old AFL's first Super Bowl winner, the Jets of Super Bowl III

The top franchise in Super Bowl history for the NFL, the Steelers, winners of Super Bowl IX, X, XIII, XIV, XL and XLIII

The Jets feature former Iowa RB Shonn Greene

The Steelers were always good growing up with the Steel Curtain of the 1970s
The NFC: a battle between the two oldest rivals in the NFL: the Chicago Bears vs. the Green Bay Packers ...

While I am a Packer fan, I have enjoyed watching Bears head coach Lovie Smith develop and MLB Brian Urlacher has been a classic linebacker for the Monsters of the Midway

Is there a QB in the NFL playing as well as the Packers Aaron Rodgers right now?

The Packers feature former Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga, a rookie RT for Green Bay
It is a quiet Saturday for me this weekend. Though, there will be plenty of football on Sunday, but for Saturday:
Carole is off with our youngest to Muscatine for Washington's Celebration, Momentum & Vivace Show Choir competitions

Our middle daughter is at college

Our oldest is off skiing this weekend with her former classmates

So, it's just me and our dog and a quiet day of work and relaxation ...
Robin Tucker

A look at the past week at the Federal and State levels for the new Legislative Session

2011-01-21T13:11:00.005-06:00

NWYC Issue Update
Health Care Law Repeal

On Wednesday, House Republicans made good on a campaign pledge by passing a bill to repeal the 2010 health care overhaul.

Following two days of heated partisan debate, the House passed the bill (HR 2), 245-189, which would overturn the health care law, often labeled the signature accomplishment of President Obama’s first term. No Republican opposed the measure and only three Democrats supported the repeal: Dan Boren (OK), Mike McIntyre (NC) and Mike Ross (AK).

The legislation is now headed for the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Take action and voice your opinion now!

Are you in favor of repealing the national health care law?

*** *** ***

Update on Iowa Legislature as the session finishes another week, including debate for the first time in the Iowa House.

Recent bills of interest (source: Chamber)
House File 45 - which was the first bill debated of the new session
Senate File 45
Senate File 38
House File 64
House File 50
House File 54
New Legislative Web site
I didn't attend the Chamber legislative session on Friday, but one attendee said:
Legislative Forum sponsored by CR Chamber...more politics
& extremes..."mean-spirited" "don't care" & other hyperbole being used.
via Twitter
Robin Tucker

It's nice to learn a fellow Rotarian has become an American Citizen ...

2011-01-15T11:37:00.004-06:00

Tim Hankewich is not the first member of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids to become an American citizen, but he is the latest.

Orchestra Iowa Maestro Hankewich becomes American citizen - The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS — Orchestra Iowa Maestro Timothy Hankewich is singing a new tune of allegiance, replacing “O Canada” with “The Star-Spangled Banner” ...

Orchestra Iowa
Orchestra Iowa and Maestro Timothy Hankewich perform world-class symphonic music and offer high quality educational programs and instruction throughout ...

We know the Mt. Mercy University President Christopher Blake became an American citizen, as well, not too long ago. It's nice to learn another fellow Rotarian became an American citizen. Being born in this country, it is great to see legal immigration continues, since most of us, at one time or another, are a byproduct of immigration to America.

US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ... Citizenship Through Naturalization · Citizenship Through Parents · The Naturalization Test ...

Robin Tucker

The 84Th General Assembly began Monday and the State of Iowa has a new Governor ...

2011-01-14T18:01:00.007-06:00

The first week of the 84Th General Assembly has not lacked in activity. So often the first weeks consist of formalities and getting settled. On the House side, our elected officials hit the ground running. - Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber highlighted a number of the House Republican priorities in the first bills introduced. House Study Bill 1 which is now HF45 has been titled the Taxpayers First Act. This bill de-appropriates a number of programs and budget lines.

Click here to review HF45

HF45 (HSB 1) has already been passed out of the House Appropriations Committee on a party line vote and is eligible for debate as early as next Wednesday. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, January 18 at 6:30 pm in the House Chambers. The bill is expected to pass the full house but the fate in the Senate is unknown.

Other bills in the first ten House Bills of interest to us include House File 4 and House File 9. HF 4 reduces the income tax for all brackets by 20%. This bill is in Ways and Means and we are interested in any input from you on this proposal.

Click here to review HF4

HF 9 is more complicated. This bill defines essential services for local governments and requires they be listed in a budget summary of a local government. In case of budget cuts it requires local governments to cut NON essential services first. The bill also increases the school aid foundation to 100% over seven years. There is still research being done on the impact of this bill but the Chamber has advocated for cutting the commercial and industrial property tax burden for years.
Click here to review HF 9

We saw the first in bills for continued flood recovery work with Senator Hogg introducing SF19 which helps with access to program assistance with the Iowa Department of Economic Development in disaster areas.

Note that the web site for the legislature has changed. It is a very user friendly site and the new address is http://www.legis.iowa.gov/index.aspx. This is a great resource for finding more details on bills of interest and schedules at the Capitol.
The State of Iowa has a new Governor, though he will be serving his fifth term, after serving four terms from 1983 to 1999.
Welcoming Branstad‎ -KIMT
MASON CITY, IA - Terry Branstad spoke to Iowans Friday in his first speech as governor. He outlined a need for everyone to pull together to boost Iowa's ...
Branstad vows to cut Iowa state spending, taxes‎ - Bloomberg
Branstad signs labor agreement voting rights order‎ - Chicago Tribune
Branstad calls Iowa to greatness in inaugural speech‎ - Mason City Globe Gazette
Kraig Paulsen, a State Representative representing a Northern district in Linn County, was installed as Speaker of the House for the 84Th General Assembly. Rep. Paulsen becomes the 71st Speaker of the House for the State of Iowa.
His newsletter spoke about "The Taxpayers First Act as it passed committee saves Iowa taxpayers over a half a billion dollars in addition to setting aside $327 million in tax relief. The bill also provides $25 million to support un-funded state commitment to remove Iowans from wait lists for mental health services – a core responsibility the state must deliver to Iowans in need of service."

Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley said the following about State Government this week:

For the past several years, government has only continued to grow – further
encroaching into our lives at the expense of freedom, liberty and independence.

Spending has spiraled out-of-control, debt has grown at alarming rates,
taxes have only gone higher and barriers to job creation have been added instead
of removed.

Elected officials had stopped listening to the collective
voices of the people – seniors, entrepreneurs, small business owners, employers
and others who had elected them as their voice and their vote.

As a
result, the people spoke – and spoke loudly and clearly. They said:
Give us
back our government and listen.

Do not spend more than our government
takes in.

Be as careful with our tax dollars as you are with your own.

Hold the line on taxes and give us some tax relief.

Quit letting
the government pick winners and losers and instead reignite the engine of
economic growth – the small businesses, entrepreneurs and employers that create
two out of every three new jobs.

Give us a vote on the basic definition
of marriage, protect life, be responsive and do all you can to promote
opportunity, prosperity and freedom.

As was highlighted in a previous blog post earlier in the week, State Senator Rob Hogg, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, offered two bills out of the Senate this week.
Robin Tucker

State Senator Rob Hogg has proposed Two Bills in the 2011 Iowa Legislative Session.

2011-01-13T14:27:00.005-06:00

Received an update this week from State Senator Rob Hogg (Dem.) who represents our neighborhood of Cedar Rapids, along with other neighborhoods in our community.

Senator Rob Hogg's e-mail mentioned the following ...

First Bills for 2011: SF18 – Economic Emergency Fund
I filed two bills this week that I hope will attract bipartisan support and be signed by incoming Governor Branstad. One is SF18, which would increase the allowable size of our economic emergency fund from 2.5% of the state’s general fund to 7.5% of the general fund. For a general fund of $6 billion, this would increase the cap on the economic emergency fund from $150 million to $450 million. As our economy recovers, we need to rebuild our economic emergency fund to a larger level so that we have more of the resources we need when the next disaster or next recession hits. When disaster or recession hits, the need for government goes up, yet in 2009 and 2010, we had to cut our state budget and were spared deeper cuts only by the federal stimulus funds sent to state government.

Although we had a record high rainy fund at the time of the 2008 disasters and recession, it has been clear to me that it was not enough. Next time, I want Iowa to be ready. Senate File 18 would help us get ready.

SF19 – Helping Disaster-Affected Businesses
The other bill I filed this week is SF19, which would allow the Department of Economic Development to waive certain restrictions on its ability to use existing funds to help disaster-affected businesses. Right now, some existing program funds (High Quality Jobs Program, Enterprise Zones, and Grow Iowa Values Fund financial assistance), which are designed to help high-wage businesses expand, cannot be used to save jobs at a disaster-affected business just because the business has competitors within the state.

Senate File 19 would allow these programs to be used to help restore businesses and save high-wage jobs, even if the business happens to have competitors in state. The state was able to use these programs to help some flood-affected businesses in Cedar Rapids because they did not have in-state competitors, but they were not available for other businesses. I was reminded of the need for this legislation in 2010 when I met with business owners who were flooded in Colfax and who happened to have in-state competitors. After a disaster, we need to help businesses save jobs, especially those that pay high wages and provide benefits, regardless of whether other businesses happen to compete in state. It does not create any competitive advantage for one business over another to simply restore the disaster-damaged business after a disaster.

In addition, Senator Rob Hogg invited people to the first legislative forum of the session on Saturday, January 15, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at Mercy Medical Center, 701 10Th Street SE, in Cedar Rapids. Senator Hogg mentioned these forums, which are sponsored by the League of Women Voters and other co-sponsors, are always a great opportunity to listen to legislators from Linn County and to ask questions and visit with us individually after the forum.
Robin Tucker

First R&P Report for 2011, the 112Th Congress and the Assassination Attempt on Congresswomen

2011-01-11T10:40:00.006-06:00

A service of National Write Your Congressman

http://www.nwyc.com/
Vol. 15 No. 1
Tuesday, January 11, 2011

The 112Th Congress is now in session. It’s leaders include: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell (R-KY), 53rd Speaker of the House, John Boehner (R-OH), House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor (R-VA), House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

REVIEW

The Senate: The new session of the Senate began with the traditional swearing-in of reelected and newly elected members. After the ceremony and the opening prayer, Vice President Biden administered the oath-of-office for 31 senators, which includes 16 new senators. Though they maintained the majority, Democrats lost six seats after the November mid-term elections resulting in the make-up of the current Congress at 51 Democrats, 47 Republicans and two Independents.

The House: After the swearing in of members and the election of , the new session of the House included a reading of the U.S. Constitution. The House is made up of 242 Republicans and 193 Democrats.

The Constitution allows Congress to determine the rules for its proceedings on the first day of a new session.

House Rules: The first order of business in the House was a rules package that covers scheduling (how many days worked, when votes can and cannot occur), the terms and conditions for debating bills (all bills will cite their constitutional authority and be posted online for 72 hours before a vote) and allows electronic devices on the floor of the chamber. The package passed 240-191.

Senate Rules: Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) proposed three additions to Senate rules regarding filibusters. They state that senators must remain on the floor to maintain the filibuster; if a motion to proceed passes, then a cloture vote must be taken immediately to prevent delays by opposing senators; and senators may not put “secret holds” on bills. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) called the attempt “a brazen power grab.” Negotiations continue. No vote was taken.

Health Care: The House on Friday cleared a key procedural hurdle in repealing the landmark health care law, voting 236-181 largely along party lines to move ahead to next week's final vote on repeal. In their effort to preserve the law, Democrats pointed to a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report that estimates repealing the overhaul would increase the national deficit by an estimated $230 billion over 10 years. But GOP members said Democrats “rigged the CBO score” on the overhaul by forcing the budget office to ignore $115 billion needed to implement the law, double-counting $521 billion in Social Security payroll taxes, premiums on a new long-term insurance program, cuts to Medicare and other moves. The unbiased CBO is completing a more detailed report. (H.R.2)

Highway and Transit Funding: Lawmakers in the House and Senate are working to adopt a transportation funding bill for the nation's aging highway system. The House adopted a rule that would make it easier to cut highway and transit spending by allowing certain motor-fuel taxes to be used on projects other than highways. Prior to the rule change, the House was barred from considering legislation that would shortchange authorized highway and transit spending levels.

Pay Cut for Congress: Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) introduced a draft bill that would cut the salary of Congress members by 5 percent. Click here to voice your opinion on this issue or go to www.nwyc.com .

Congressional Budget Cuts: In a first act of the new Congress, lawmakers adopted a resolution to reduce the amount lawmakers may authorize for salaries and expenses of committee members, staffers and leadership offices in 2011 and 2012.

PREVIEW

The week ahead: The House of Representatives has postponed all legislative action for this week in wake of the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and 17 others, according to the office of Majority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA). The Senate will deliberate the debt limit after Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner warned that the government will hit its limit as early as March 31. Congress must also find a way to fund the government for the rest of fiscal 2011 after a stopgap funding measure expires March 4. The Senate is on recess until January, 25.

Thank you for being a responsible American; your voice is making a difference.

*** *** ***

It was tragic news on the assassination attempt of a Congresswomen from Arizona and then the complete disregard for human life in the shooting of 18 others in attendance at the gathering. We have family that are represented by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Family also apparently live near the neighborhood of the shooter, who has been arrested on Federal charges.

Our thoughts and prayers go out the victims, the family and friends, the NW Tucson and Pima County community, as well as our nation, after the murder of five people and the wounding of 14 others. Sadly, two Federal employees, including a U.S. Federal judge and social worker on the Congresswomen's staff; in additon to a nine year old girl and three senior citizens, who are all victims to this tragic event.

Violence like this may test our Republic. It may lead to recommendations that It can be an attack on our freedoms found in the U.S. Constitution, such as the First Amendment.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of
the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the
Government for a redress of grievances. - First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
Robin Tucker

Action Alert received today from National Write Your Congressman ...

2011-01-07T18:07:00.003-06:00

Action Alert
Repealing the Healthcare Law

Incoming House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), announced that the House will vote next Wednesday, Jan. 12, to repeal the new health care law, making good on a top-tier GOP campaign promise. GOP leaders pledged to “repeal and replace” the health care law, but the House will not vote on a separate replacement bill next week. Instead, lawmakers will consider a resolution that instructs three committees to report health care legislation. The resolution sets 12 goals for the bill, including lowering health care costs and premiums, increasing the number of insured Americans and “to provide people with preexisting conditions access to affordable health coverage.”

Time is short! Contact your representatives to tell them your opinion on this legislation.

For Repealing the Healthcare Law :
Rep. Wally Herger (R-CA)
“According to a study published last fall … by the time Obamacare is fully implemented in 2017, approximately 7.4 million seniors will have been forced out of their Medicare plan. … This is unacceptable… I intend to strongly support the effort to repeal Obamacare in order to preserve Medicare choices for … seniors, as well as to eliminate job-killing tax hikes and the unconstitutional “individual mandate” that would require all Americans to buy government-approved health insurance.”

Opposed to Repealing the Health Care Law:
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi
“Instead of joining Democrats in our efforts for job creation, Republicans are planning to put insurance companies back in charge by repealing patient’s rights… House Democrats will fight to ensure that children with pre-existing conditions continue to get coverage; that young people can stay on their parents’ plans until age 26; that pregnant women and breast cancer survivors can no longer be thrown off the rolls; and that seniors do not pay higher drug prices.”

Take action and voice your opinion now!

Are you in favor repealing the healthcare law?

As a member of National Write Your Congressman, I received the above Action Alert. You can take action and contact your members of Congress, as I did today, if you feel this issue is important to you.

Robin Tucker

The City of Cedar Rapids making preparations to Review the Home Rule Charter ...

2011-01-06T22:10:00.007-06:00

But, how should the City of Cedar Rapids encourage participation on the Charter Review Commission? How many members should be used to perform that required work?

I had the pleasure of being selected to serve on the 2004-05 Local Home Rule Charter Commission that formulated the Council-Manager form of government for the City of Cedar Rapids. After roughly five months of work, the Charter was created for the voters to weigh on. I had the pleasure of serving as Drafting Chair. On June 14, 2005, the voters with 69% support accepted the proposed Local Home Rule Charter and the 96 years under the Commission form of government became history.

It's been a challenging transition over the past five years for our community. In the final City Council meeting of the Year 2010, the Mayor and City Council proposed to create a Charter Review Commission. To my surprise, they didn't plan to seek applications and they were going to have each person on Council, including the Mayor, recommend one name. The citizen commission would be made up of nine members, the same number who serve on the Council, including the Mayor.

Traditionally, charter commissions have had 15 members from the community. Typically, like most boards and commissions, an application process is used. Knowing the work involved in studying local government, I had personal reservations, after reading the following story.

Commission to review Cedar Rapids’ charter, form of government - The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS — Is nine the best number of members for the City Council? Should the mayor be a full-timer? Can you imagine a return to five, full-time council members who also manage city departments? Those are apt to be some of the topics discussed by the Charter Review Commission, which the City Council Tuesday ...

After reading about the approach the City Council and Mayor were going to proceed with the Commission to review, I fired off an e-mail last week to the Council and Mayor. On Tuesday, I learned my concerns were made an article by Rick Smith online and in the newspaper.

Cedar Rapids charter commission needs 15 members, not nine, member says - The Gazette
A member of the city’s 15-member Home Rule Charter Commission of 2004-2005 says the new Charter Review Commission also should have 15 members, not nine. In addition, Robin Tucker, a local Realtor and businessman and a 2007 candidate for the City Council, says City Hall should fill seats on the review commission from those who ...

I am pleased to hear that the City of Cedar Rapids is now seeking applications for the Charter Review Commission. "Citizen Participation" is a important part of our form of government. I am pleased to see that the City is seeking applications now, based on the press release dated January 6Th.

Volunteers Needed for Charter Review Commission - The City of Cedar Rapids
Contact: Kim Greene - 319-286-5083
Volunteers Needed to Serve on City's Charter Review Commission

The Cedar Rapids City Council will establish a Charter Review Commission soon. The commission members ... Applications are due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 11, 2011.

There is also some other news, involving proposed changes in our community ordinances that may interest you. The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission is proposing changes to Chapter 69. There will be events on Monday, January 10Th and Tuesday, January 11Th discussing proposed additions to the Civil Rights codes for your community.

Ordinance change would protect Section 8 housing applicants - The Gazette
Imagine you’re a low-income person with a low-paying job and the good fortune of having a federal housing voucher to help with rent. Now, that person in Cedar Rapids and most other cities has the task of finding a landlord willing to accept the voucher as partial payment of rent. Some landlords don’t want to ...

In closing, the City of Cedar Rapids hired an new City Manager for our community in 2010. He comes to Cedar Rapids from West Des Moines, where he served as city manager for the 10Th largest community in the State of Iowa. If you haven't had a chance to meet our new city manager, I would suggest you take time to. Further, I would encourage citizens to contact the City Council and Mayor, when you have questions or concerns in our community. It's vital that we build a community dialogue.

Robin Tucker

Happy New Year Everyone ...

2011-01-02T20:38:00.005-06:00
It has been very busy the last several weeks, with our daughter's graduation from UNI last month. A Christmas trip to Omaha to be with family. The week after Christmas has been nice too. The Iowa Hawkeyes won the Insight Bowl over the Missouri Tigers. Our family has all been home from school or college to enjoy the Holidays together.

Happy New Year - 2011!

May the New Year be good, with health and happiness to all. May our New Year's Resolutions stay true.

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness... many blessings in the coming year and we look forward to better days ahead, after a tough three years in our community.

Finally, I linked up with my sister by phone today. We haven't talked for a while, so it was nice to finally visit in the New Year. Talking movies with her is always fun ...

My mother and father are doing well. Dad is a hair younger than Joe Paterno. My brother is keeping busy in the southern part of The Corridor.

It was nice to have some time away from work, during the Holidays. Monday will soon be here. No Rotary this week, but back into the swing of things very soon ...

Robin Tucker

Iowa Football: Season concludes in Tempe vs. Missouri on Tuesday Night in the Insight Bowl

2010-12-28T18:58:00.005-06:00

It's been 100 years, since Iowa and Missouri squared off in a college football game.

The series resumes for game 13 in the Insight Bowl.

Iowa (7-5) vs. Missouri (10-2)

The Hawkeyes come into the game coming off a three game losing streak, while Missouri has won three straight. At one point in the season, both teams were 7-2, but the season comes down to one final game in the 22Nd Insight Bowl from Sun Devil Stadium on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe.

Can Iowa finish and play 60 vs. Missouri?

Iowa Football has been competitive the past three seasons in each and every game. No Iowa opponent has beat Iowa by more than seven points, since the 2007 season. However, Iowa lost leads in each of the five losses in the 4Th quarter this season. The question on Tuesday is weather Iowa finish this game out and defeat Missouri in Tempe?

Why not, under coach Kirk Ferentz, Iowa is 5-3 in bowl games and should be ready to compete again for another bowl victory ...

Robin Tucker

Nice to welcome Winter officially here, with the weather we have enjoyed this December ...

2010-12-21T20:04:00.004-06:00

It's December 21 already. I better get ready for Christmas ... 2010 has flown by this year!

Wishing all a safe and enjoyable Christmas 2010 ...

Robin Tucker

Update on the Lame-Duck Session of Congress from National Write Your Congressman ...

2010-12-20T13:15:00.000-06:00

http://www.nwyc.com/
Vol. 14 No. 2-34
Monday, December 20, 2010

REVIEW

Congress is currently holding a lame-duck session which includes lawmakers who are not slated to continue to hold office.

Bush-era Tax Cuts: An $858 billion tax cut package that President Obama negotiated with Senate Republicans was signed by the president on Friday. The Senate passed the two-year extension of the Bush-era tax cuts earlier last week and sent the package to the House. In the House, a coalition of moderate House Democrats and Republicans passed the compromise package by a vote of 277-148, thereby avoiding widespread tax increases next year. The bill will extend unemployment benefits for 13 months, including making them retroactive to Nov. 30, when they expired. The legislation will reinstate the estate tax through 2012 at the rate of 35 percent with a $5 million exemption, and it will include a payroll tax holiday that will reduce employee payroll taxes in 2011 by 2 percentage points, from a 6.2 percent rate to a 4.2 percent rate. Employees making $50,000 a year will save about $1000 in payroll taxes under the new plan. (H.R.4853)

Omnibus Spending Bill: Senate Democrats abandoned efforts to pass a $1.108 trillion dollar omnibus spending bill last week, giving in to pressure from GOP members who criticized the measure. The catch-all spending package is almost 2,000 pages long and is said to contain an estimated $8 billion in earmarks. Congress is expected to pass a short-term continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown. (H.R.3082)

Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START): Lawmakers in the Senate officially began debating the new arms control treaty with Russia last week. They could consider as many as 70 amendments, which makes a vote on the treaty during the lame duck session increasingly unlikely.

Anti-Spoofing: The House cleared a measure that would make it illegal to use so-called caller ID “spoofing” for fraudulent or other harmful purposes. It would set maximum civil and criminal fines at $10,000 for each violation or $30,000 daily for continuing violations. It goes next to the President’s desk to be signed into law. (S.30)

Food Safety Bill: The Senate passed a comprehensive food safety bill by voice vote on Sunday night, sending the measure back to the House to clear for the president's signature. (S.510)

Ethanol Provisions: A bloc of House Democrats is working to build support for changes to energy provisions included in the tax package the Senate recently passed. At least 30 Democrats signed a letter to party leaders calling for a reduction in ethanol subsidies and the elimination of incentives for coal-based transportation fuels in the package.

Defense Authorization: The House and Senate are completing a fiscal 2011 defense authorization bill stripped of its most controversial elements. A provision that would repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” provision is gone. Also missing is a Senate Armed Services provision that would have allowed privately funded abortions to be performed in military hospitals. The final version of the measure neither endorses nor prevents additional spending on an alternative engine for F-35 fighters — a program that has divided lawmakers and triggered a veto threat. (H.R.6523)

Fraudulent Sales: The House cleared legislation that would ban an online sales practice, known as “data pass,” in which merchants share consumer information with certain third-party companies. The bill targets online sales practices in which third-party companies try to sell shoppers additional items while they are completing online purchases from the initial merchants. It goes next to the President’s desk.(S.3386)

PREVIEW

The Week Ahead: Lawmakers in the Senate will continue to work on the START treaty and could consider a defense authorization measure. They blocked the DREAM Act, an immigration measure (H.R.5281) that would provide a path to citizenship for adult children of illegal immigrants. Click here to voice your opinion on the DREAM Act.

Senate lawmakers also passed a stand-alone bill that would repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, the House also passed the measure. In the House, lawmakers are expected to pass a $725 billion stripped-down version of the fiscal 2011 defense authorization bill. The Senate could clear the bill for the President by unanimous consent soon thereafter. Go to http://www.nwyc.com/ to get the latest updates on these rapidly changing issues.

*** *** ***

To better help keep up on what is going on in Washington D.C., we have joined National Write Your Congressman. I first learned about nwyc.com back when I came back to Cedar Rapids from Omaha in 1988. My father was a member and suggested it to me. As a member, we get periodically, often every Monday, when Congress is in session, the R & P Report.

We are glad to see the so-called "Bush Tax Cuts" were extended. We would have preferred them to simply be made permanent, so that we could have moved on with future Federal public policy, rather than get stuck in the past arguments.

We want to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings. May the work of the upcoming 112Th Congress in 2011-12 be one that builds on the foundational of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness that the Founding Fathers spelled out. May our Country at all levels promote Limited Government and idea of free markets. We need to encourage of the things we think, say and do:
FIRST: Is it the TRUTH?
SECOND: Is it FAIR to all concerned?
THIRD: Will it build GOODWILL & BETTER FRIENDSHIP?
FOURTH: Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Robin Tucker

We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings this Holiday Week ...

2010-12-20T10:16:00.006-06:00

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids will celebrate our Club Holiday Party today during our regular meeting.

This year's program will feature the Washington High School Madrigal Singers. We caught them at the Cocoa and Carols concert that Washington High put on earlier this month, so it should be an entertaining Rotary Club celebration this year. The Madrigal Singers also performed at this year's Fire & Ice Festival in Cedar Rapids earlier this month.

Here's a taste of The Madrigal Singers performing at Rotary West's program earlier this year. Carole and I are looking forward to today's Rotary program.

Robin Tucker

It's Cold in the Midwest this December as we are less than a week from Christmas Day

2010-12-19T12:01:00.003-06:00

It has been a long traveled weekend with trips to Cedar Falls and back twice, with stops in Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Shell Rock.

Our oldest daughter graduated on Saturday from the University of Northern Iowa, which is a great joy. She completed her work in three and a half years with a BA in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, making her family very proud.

Wow, Christmas is now less than a week away and there is plenty to get done.

Robin Tucker

Wonderful news on another Branstad-Reynolds team Appointment ...

2010-12-09T20:14:00.005-06:00

Back in November 2009, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks asked me to be a part of her campaign for U.S. Congress. In November 2010, her bid came up short in the race in the Second Congressional District. With defeat, often another door of opportunity opens and the Citizens of Iowa will benefit from Governor-elect Terry Branstad's latest appointment.

Miller-Meeks selected for Public Health post - The Gazette

It is a joy to see Governor-elect Branstad making outstanding appointments to various State positions in his fifth term of office serving the State of Iowa. His first four terms were from 1983 to 1999. Hooray, Terry is back and he is making some fine appointments in preparation for his fifth term.

Robin Tucker

An E-mail letter from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on the issue of extending the expiring tax cuts

2010-12-07T15:04:00.005-06:00
Today at work, we received the following e-mail from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce about the extension of the expiring tax cuts or as many would say maintaining the current tax rates of 2010.

Robin,

Last night the President announced a bipartisan deal with
Congressional Republicans to extend the expiring tax cuts and protect all
Americans from a potential tax hike.

As the Wall Street Journal reports:

“Obama reached agreement with Republican leaders in Congress on a broad
tax package that would extend the Bush-era income tax cuts for two years, reduce
worker payroll taxes for one year and give more favorable treatment to business
investments.”

This deal would prevent tax increases on any income level
for the next two years.

Unfortunately, the “potential deal” still has a
long way to go and depends on the Congressional Democrats willingness to
compromise and support extending the tax cuts for all Americans. They need to
hear your support on this issue more than ever.

Congress, more than
ever, needs to hear that you support this deal.

Contact your members of
Congress now -- if they fail to pass this bipartisan agreement you could be hit
with the largest tax hike in American history.

Congress is scheduled to
meet today and discuss this agreement. Republicans and the White House have made
a commitment to protect American small businesses and thwart a major threat to
our economic recovery.

Raising taxes on any Americans in this fragile
economy could spell disaster.

Congress must approve this bipartisan
agreement to extend our current tax rates for all Americans -- and you can help
make that happen.

A bipartisan effort to protect American jobs is
exactly what Americans voted for in November.

It’s what we expect from
our leaders in Washington.

Thank you for helping to make it a reality.

Sincerely,

Bill Miller
Senior Vice President and National
Political Director
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

P.S. With Congress
discussing the deal today, they need to hear from you now.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S. Chamber of Commerce 1615 H Street, NW Washington DC 20062-2000

In these tough economic times, raising taxes can have negative impacts on jobs and the economy. We need to reduce Federal, State and in many cases local spending. The increases of the Federal, State and local municipal budgets are steep over the past four years.

We need to ask our government officials to make wiser choices. We suggest limited government is the path our nation must return to. Both, Democrats and Republicans over the past twenty plus years have gotten off track. The growth in government is alarming.

As National Write Your Congressman encourages,
"Now that you have stepped outside the massive crowd of silent citizens
and taken a stand for your principles and your beliefs, you are working for a
better government. You are proving that ordinary citizens can influence their
lawmakers by communicating directly with their legislators, just as our Founding
Fathers intended."

Robin Tucker

R & P Report from National Write Your Congressman for Monday, December 6, 2010 ...

2010-12-06T22:10:00.004-06:00
http://www.nwyc.com/
Vol. 14 No. 2-31
Monday, December 06, 2010

REVIEW

Congress is currently holding a lame-duck session which includes lawmakers who are not slated to continue to hold office.

GOP Senate Blockade: All 42 Senate Republicans have pledged to vote against bringing any legislation to the floor before the government has been funded for the current fiscal year and Congress deals with expiring 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. The move will effectively keep the Senate from acting on other matters because at least 60 votes are needed to overcome any filibuster against a motion to proceed to a bill.

Middle Class Tax Cuts: The Democrat-led House has voted to extend the Bush-era tax cuts for families making $250,000 or less - but not on incomes above that threshold. The bill would also extend the maximum $1,000 child tax credit and limits on the so-called marriage penalty. It would put a two year “patch” on the AMT and extend expensing rules for small businesses. The total 10-year cost of the measure would be $1.5 trillion. The bill is not expected to get the 60 votes it needs to break a GOP filibuster in the Senate that is now considering the bill. (H.R.4853) Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

Child Nutrition: The House passed a sweeping child nutrition bill designed to promote better eating habits and giving the federal government more authority to set standards for food sold on school grounds. The bill passed 264-157, largely along party lines. It has already been approved by the Senate and now advances to the President's desk to be signed into law. (S.3307)

Food Safety: The Senate passed a food safety bill that will extend the powers of the FDA. Language was added to the bill that would exempt small farmers from most of the new regulations. It goes next to the House. (S.510)

Continuing Resolution (CR): The House and the Senate passed legislation to maintain federal appropriations through Dec. 18. The measure was sent to the President for a signature shortly before the last CR expired. Congress has yet to enact any of the

12 appropriations bills for fiscal 2011. Congress is considering options for extending the current funding levels into or through next year — or passing a fiscal 2011 omnibus spending bill.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: As the Armed Services Committee continues to hear testimony about the Pentagon’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” study, it remains unclear whether the measure will advance to the Senate floor. Marine, Air Force and Army chiefs have spoken out in opposition of a quick repeal of a ban on gays serving opening in the military. Most Democrats and the President want to lift the ban. Most Republicans do not, but some GOP votes are needed to pass the bill. Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

Censuring Rangel: Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) was required to stand in the well of the House as Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) rebuked him for 11 instances of breaking House rules by submitting numerous inaccurate financial disclosure statements and running a campaign office from a property leased as a rent-stabilized residential apartment. The House vote was 333 - 79 in favor of censuring Rep. Rangel with 21 not voting.

Criminal Background Checks: The Senate passed a one-year extension of a program that allows certain volunteer programs to conduct criminal background checks on those who work with children. The program allows fingerprint and background checks for both employees and volunteers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (S.3998)

PREVIEW

The Week Ahead: The Senate: is likely to take up the DREAM Act, a bill giving a route to legal status for illegal immigrants’ children who go to college or join the military for two years. Lawmakers will also consider funding measures, a compensation fund for clean-up victims of 9/11 and a bargaining rights bill for police and firefighters. As meetings continue, on the START treaty, it is not expected to be brought to the floor. The House: is expected to deal with constitutional problems with the food safety bill that the Senate passed. All revenue generating bills must originate in the House. The House may correct the problem by sending the measure back to the Senate on another legislative vehicle.

*** *** ***

In news out of Washington D.C. on Monday, CNN Breaking News reported -- Obama: Famework for bipartisan deal would extren all Bush-era tax cuts for two years and jobless benefits for 13 months.

Robin Tucker

Update on the Lame-Duck Session from National Write Your Congressman ...

2010-11-22T13:48:00.004-06:00

http://www.nwyc.com/
Vol. 14 No. 2-30
Monday, November 22, 2010
REVIEW

R & P Report for the Lame-duck Session of the 111Th Congress

Lame-duck Session (includes lawmakers who are not slated to continue to hold office)

Earmarks Ban: House Republicans agreed by unanimous consent to extend an earmark moratorium through the 112th Congress. Although the ban only applies to House Republicans, it is expected to effectively end the practice for the entire House because the GOP will control the floor next year, and leaders have said they will not bring up bills that include earmarks.

Rep. Rangel Censured: The House Ethics Committee voted 9-1 to recommend that Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) be censured on 11 counts of breaking House rules and that he pay his unpaid taxes tied to his “financial misconduct.” If the entire House accepts the recommendation, the Harlem lawmaker will be required to stand in the well of the House chamber and receive a formal rebuke.

Medicare Payments: The Senate passed a one month extension of the current Medicare physician payment rates.

Energy Bill Postponed: Any possibility of an energy bill being passed this year, before the new Congress is seated, was eliminated when a vote on a bill to promote natural gas and electric cars was cancelled.

Unemployment Insurance: The House voted not to extend the rules and pass the bill that would extend beyond Nov. 30 a program providing the long-term unemployed with an additional 13 weekly checks. (H.R.6419)

Food safety: Lawmakers in the Senate have inserted language into a food safety bill that would allow small farms and processors to stay in business. The measure would allow the Food and Drug Administration to order food recalls and regulate imported food. (H.R.2749) (S. 510)

Sex Trafficking: Objections to the cost of the bill have stalled a measure in the Senate that would authorize $45 million over three years for grants in an effort to stop sex trafficking of minors. (S.2925)

Health Care Law Opt Out: A Republican and a Democratic senator introduced a draft bill that would move up the date allowing states to opt out of certain obligations in the new health care law - including the requirement that all people purchase health insurance. To be eligible for waivers, states would offer alternatives that federal regulators deem as effective and affordable as those the law requires.

Gender Gap Bill: Senators voted 58-41 against a motion that would have stopped debate and brought a bill aiming to narrow the gender gap in wages to the floor for a vote.

PREVIEW

The New Congress: The 112th Congress is scheduled to run from Jan.5, 2011 to Jan. 3, 2013, during what will be the third and fourth years of Barack Obama's presidency.

Middle Class Tax Cuts: House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said the House would vote on an extension of middle class tax cuts for middle class families, but the country could not afford tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. (S.3793)

Dream Act: President Obama is urging Congress to pass during the lame–duck session an immigration measure giving a route to legal status for illegal immigrants’ young adult children who go to college or join the military for two years. An estimated 2.1 million fit the criteria. About 800,000 would be expected to complete the requirements. (H.R.1751) (S.3827)

Fiscal 2011 Appropriations: The stopgap appropriations measure funding the government expires Dec. 3. Congress is considering a continuing resolution.

Post-Thanksgiving: Congress is scheduled to be in session Nov.29 - Dec. 17. Both Houses: Will consider a continuing resolution to fund the government. The Senate: Is expected to address the defense authorization act along with the strategic arms reduction treaty (START) with Russia.

The House: The White House is urging the House to clear a Senate-passed child nutrition bill (S.3307), but objections over funding has stalled action

The 112Th Congress will take session in January 2011, as the R&P Report mentioned. All five congressmen in the State of Iowa were retained, as well as Senior Senator Chuck Grassley.

Robin Tucker

Iowa @ Indiana on Saturday in the Big Ten

2010-11-06T10:39:00.004-05:00
Well, after two weeks of College Football at Kinnick Stadium, it's time for the home team to move on the road for a couple of weeks.

Iowa at Indiana on Saturday at 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network. Direct TV channel 612 for our household.

Iowa needs to play a well rounded game to win on the road in this one. Special teams, defense and offense need to make plays and avoid mistakes, miscues and turnovers.

The Hawkeyes are an 18 point favorite, according to The Gazette this morning. Not sure Iowa will cover 18 points, but a 24-7 win would be nice in Bloomington to open up November in College Football.

Looking forward to seeing how the true freshmen step in for missing starters, who are out this week. Next Man In for Iowa, as well as another week, where the defense needs to step up and play Hawkeye Football.

On Iowa!

It's Senior Day for the Hoosiers and both head coaches are seeking a 100Th victory as a head coach.. Hopefully, it's Kirk Ferentz get to 100 today in Bloomington!

Robin Tucker

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

2010-11-03T00:33:00.004-05:00
The long campaign trail that began on November 30, 2009 has been completed. It was a great experience and it was a fantastic trail meeting new people and building on relationships that already existed. Thank you for all that supported Mariannette Miller-Meeks. Congratulations to those people who won campaigns on November 2, 2010. peace - Robin Tucker

The State of Iowa sent some interesting messages on November 2, 2010 ...
The three incumbents on the Democrat side of the aisle were retained. However, one of the candidates may win re-election, despite nearly 50% of the vote going to two other candidates, the Republican and the Libertarian.
Iowans send a message to nation on this issue: Numbers leaning towards ousting justices - The Gazette
Iowa City joins Lincoln and Champaign: 21-only ordinance will stay in Iowa City - The Gazette
Sharp charge for Iowa House: flipped from Blue to Red: Iowa Legislature: GOP captures House, gains in Senate - The Gazette
Impact on Seniors real? Linn County voters reject raising E-911 surcharge - The Gazette
Republican party picks up another Supervisor making it 2 to 3: Palo mayor squeaks by 19-year Linn Supervisor Jim Houser - The Gazette
Terry is now 12-0 in elections: Branstad takes back Terrace Hill - The Gazette
Matt Shultz wins Sec. of State office - Omaha World-Herald - Andrew J. Nelson
DES MOINES (AP) — Helped by a Republican voter surge from throughout Iowa, Matt Schultz of Council Bluffs claimed victory in the race to run the Secretary ...
Sadly, during the campaign trail, we saw some pretty negative advertisements. We saw some statements that simply were not true. Now, the real work begins on November 3Rd. We need to find a way to work together and build better public policy at the local, State and Federal levels.
Robin Tucker

Election Day 2010: Polls in Iowa are open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. ...

2010-11-02T08:44:00.003-05:00

It occurs on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November ...

Voter Guide - The Gazette

If you need to find your polling place in the State of Iowa:

https://www.sos.state.ia.us/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx

Have a great day everyone and make sure your voice is heard on November 2Nd!

Robin Tucker

Election Day Eve: November 1, 2010 ...

2010-11-01T19:21:00.004-05:00

Join us in supporting Annette's daughter for Congress: Vote Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks for Congress in IA-02 on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 ...

Pro Small Business

Pro Small Government

Pro Jobs

Pro Family and Seniors

Pro Second Amendment

Pro Fiscal Responsibility
For more on the Issues that Miller-Meeks stands for, please visit her web site.
We the People of the United States of America, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. - The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America
Robin Tucker, member of NWYC
We the People are the voice of America.

Iowa won 37-6 on Saturday as we rejoice with Halloween on Sunday and Election Day on Tuesday ...

2010-10-31T17:06:00.003-05:00
It was a great Saturday to be at Kinnick Stadium for a Big Ten football game. The fans were electric and the game turned out to be a Hawkeye ambush, which hasn't happened many times in recent years in the Iowa-MSU series. The Hawkeyes beat #5 Michigan State 37-6. The players enjoyed a better post game, than a week ago.

Iowa is now 6-2 overall and is the top two loss team in college football right now. The Hawkeyes are 3-1 in the Big Ten, with Wisconsin (7-1), and one game behind Michigan State (8-1) and Ohio State (8-1) in the win column, since they are both 4-1 in the Big Ten.

Congratulations to Iowa State (5-4) and Northern Iowa (5-3), who both won on Saturday, as well. Iowa State has a big game this Saturday with Nebraska coming to Ames!

Happy Halloween everyone! Trick or Treat ...

Halloween 2010 - The Gazette

Election Day is Tuesday, November 2Nd!

We hope you take the time to review your ballot and candidates and Vote on Election Day 2010!

In Linn and Johnson counties in Iowa - Here's where your voting locations are to vote on Tuesday! Polling times are 7 a. m. to 9 p. m.

For me - here's some names we are supporting in Election Day 2010. For U.S. Congress, we support Miller-Meeks for Congress.

As Tracy posted on her Facebook page ... "voted today for Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Senator Chuck Grassley, Governor Terry Branstad & Senator Kim Reynolds, Matt Schultz, Dave Jamison, Bill Northey, Brenna Findley, and Dave Vaudt!"

There is great list of candidates across the State of Iowa in 2010, as Tracie shared. But, don't forget the local candidates for State House, State Senate and County Offices. Here's an example of my ballot in CR-41. Also, there are Judicial Ballots on retention, the State Constitutional Amendments and in Linn County, we have a County Public Measure to determine.

Robin Tucker

Big Games and Important Campaigns, as Saturday and Election Day can only bring ...

2010-10-30T08:49:00.005-05:00

Holy cow, Iowa is a -6.5 favorite over #5 Michigan State on Saturday at Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes are 5-2 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten, while the Spartans are 8-0 overall and 4-0 in the Big Ten leading the way. Is this right, Iowa a favorite vs. the Spartans on Saturday? Though, much of the media from ESPN to local media, are picking the Hawkeyes to win ...

Game Day: Television, Radio and More - University of Iowa
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Will it be tricks or treats for the Iowa Hawkeyes on Blackout Saturday at Kinnick? The answer to that question begins at 2:30 p.m. Iowa time when the UI squares off against Michigan State in a game that will have significant say in the 2010 Big Ten Conference championship race ...

Iowa receives great news: defensive coordinator Norm Parker is back and will be up in the press box today vs. the Spartans. Norm has missed missing every game, since the season opener, due to complications from diabetes. Our thoughts and prayers are with Norm and his family as he recovers from removal of a limb, due to his diabetes.

On Election Day, we have some special choices to make. Here's a look at my voting ballot ...
We vote at Bethany Lutheran at CR-41.

Starting at the lowest race for Iowa House. Candidate by petition Jason Marshall has one of the better web page home pages that you will find, when you look at today's elections and spin. He is challenging an incumbent in the 38Th Iowa House District, Tyler Olson IA-D. I don't have the picture to show, but Tyler sent our daughter a nice postcard reminder of his campaign, during the campaign. Both Jason and Tyler have young families.

As everyone who visits my blog should know, we are supporting Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks for IA-02 for U.S. Congress. Last weekend, the following YouTube video was shot during Miller-Meeks tailgate during the Iowa-Wisconsin game. Like the Heartland Trophy Game, this race is very close heading into the final days ...

Will the Hawkeyes pull it out on Saturday, as we get closer to Halloween and Election Day? This series typically goes down to the wire? The 2007 game at Kinnick Stadium was a 2OT win for the Hawkeyes. The Spartans last win at Kinnick Stadium was in 1989.

I am not making a pick here. It will likely be very close, as is often the case in the Iowa-MSU series. I am headed to Kinnick Stadium today, with my friend, Brian, giving him an opportunity to redeem himself, since Iowa came up short last weekend. On Iowa!

It's Hawkeye Saturday, Halloween weekend and Election Day on Tuesday. Join us today rooting on the Hawkeyes, Cyclones and Panthers, then remember to go to the polls and vote on Tuesday. We are looking forward to seeing Iowa make history. Go Miller-Meeks Go, in IA-02 for U.S. Congress!

Robin Tucker

Friday, October 29, 2010: Only Four more days until Election Day ...

2010-10-29T17:26:00.002-05:00
We received a nice E-mail from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ...

Dear Robin,

We're in the final countdown to Election Day on November 2Nd. With only 4
days until the big day, take a moment to enjoy this weekend's festivities. The
real work starts on November 3rd.

Happy Halloween!

Thank you all for your continued support. Tuesday is
the day -- help make it happen. VOTE!

Sincerely,

Bill Miller
Senior Vice President and National Political Director
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Here are some upcoming dates of note ...

Halloween is Sunday, October 31, 2010

All Saints Day is Monday, November 1, 2010

Election Day is Tuesday, November 2, 2010 in Iowa and throughout the U.S.A.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is right that the real work begins after the Election

Daylight Savings Time Ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 7, 2010 (Clocks Fall Back)

Veteran's Day (USA) and Remembrance Day (Canada) is Thursday, November 11, 2010

Our offices will be closed for Thanksgiving Holiday November 25-28, 2010

tucker pole

Dreams Do Happen and We invite Iowa to Make History on November 2nd ...

2010-10-28T13:17:00.003-05:00
We can make history in Iowa on November 2Nd...

Elect Miller-Meeks for Congress and let's send Iowa's first women to Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.

Robin Tucker
Linn County Chair for Miller-Meeks

"We need leaders on Capitol Hill who will help create opportunity and facilitate prospertity" ...

2010-10-26T17:30:00.006-05:00
At work, we received the following e-mail from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ...

Robin,

With one week to go in this midterm election,
it’s safe
to say a lot of new faces will be packing their bags for Capitol
Hill after next
Tuesday -- with plenty of offices set to change hands. In
the closing days of
this election, pay close attention to three of the most
crucial Senate races the
Chamber has invested vast resources into: PA, IL
and CA. Our candidates are
polling strong in the former two … and in
California -- a seat that has not been
competitive for years -- Carly
Fiorina is gaining momentum.

When we
launched our political program
earlier this year, we knew the stakes had never
been higher.

A recent article from Barron’s summarized what we
are up against:

“With an economic growth rate of 1.7%, the
country is in serious
trouble, [U.S. Chamber President & CEO] Donohue
says. He's right: Growth
will stay low until Congress begins to help
business instead of tying it down.
It's not too late for the president to
listen to Tom Donohue.”

Unemployment is still over 10% in many states
across the country.
Spending and taxes are on the rise, while jobs and
opportunity remain on the
decline. That needs to change.

We need
leaders on Capitol Hill who will
help create opportunity and facilitate
prosperity, leaders who will address the
uncertainty that has been
paralyzing the business community, leaders who will
remove the roadblocks to
economic reform and help employers grow their
businesses and put people back
to work.

Elections have consequences, and
this is one of the most
consequential elections in recent history. Your efforts
have continued to
impress us all at the U.S. Chamber. But the final week is the
most important
and there is still work to do. We have one week to close strong
and finish
what we started.

Your continued involvement over the next
seven days
CAN make the difference next Tuesday.

They asked for a donation and and Bill gave us his "profound thanks" for our efforts as an American small business.

Robin Tucker

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
We the People can Vote on November 2, 2010

In November of 2009, I had the pleasure of being asked by Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks to serve as her Linn Chair for her campaign. I, along with others throughout Linn County and the other 14 counties that serve the Second Congressional District of Iowa, have volunteered time and effort to help get out the vote for Miller-Meeks. Please join us in supporting Miller-Meeks for Congress on November 2ND or earlier, if you choose to vote before election day. The 99 county auditor's office will be open Saturday, October 30, 2010 for the final day of early voting in Iowa.
Miller-Meeks for Congress

Whould of, could of, should of: Iowa falls 30-31 to Badgers at Kinnick

2010-10-24T12:00:00.001-05:00
Saturday in Iowa ...

It was a late night for me and a friend. We called it a night around 2 a.m., after a telephone call conversation we had. She is a fellow Miller-Meeks supporter and we had a long discussion on the upcoming election and the state of our community.

I began my Saturday morning in Cedar Rapids at home. I woke up and got ready for a business appointment in Marion, before heading to the Iowa-Wisconsin game.

It was my first time meeting a lovely family from Nebraska, who already lived in Cedar Rapids. We talked a little about Omaha and the Cornhuskers, since we had a little in common there. The wife had attended the same school as my wife, but at different times.

My wife Carole, is a native Omahan and my grandfather was a native Nebraskan. I lived nearly six years in Omaha going to Creighton and working in public accounting. The future customers are from North Omaha. Carole and I were married in North Omaha over 23 years ago now.

It was a great visit. I look forward to having them as a customer in the near future.

Late Friday, I learned from a friend that my wife wasn't wanting to head to Kinnick for the game, due to the rain in the forecast. Carole likely had thoughts of the Ball State we attended earlier in the season. So, my friend Brian was up for the Iowa-Wisconsin game. Like myself, Brian has is own local business and Carole had passed on her thoughts, which opened the door for Brian to attend.

Talked to Brian before my appointment in Marion and like myself, he wanted to get a little work done before heading to Iowa City and the Game!

After my appointment, I needed to get the tickets, since I had left them at home. So, I called Brian and he wasn't ready to go, so when I got home, I made several business calls related to another project at work I am working on.

Finally, time to pick up Brian and get down to Iowa City.

Actually, Brian asked me to help on a quick business stop. We stopped at the bank, picked up a snack (I needed something) and couple beverages for pregame.

Driving down to Kinnick was great. Traffic was perfect. We didn't have any rain, but we did talk a little about the possible weather in the forecast. Otherwise, it was conversation on business, politics and all things good ...

Brian suggested the spot to tailgate. And, there was a little business tied in, since the location was a customers. We ended up at the Old Gold Apartments to park and tailgate. Brian was happily with my pregame selection.

It was nice meeting Brian's customer. He was showing off his hospitality and his Man Cave!

We ran into a Iowa grad from Texas, who was up for the game, since his son is a communications major at Iowa. We talked about Iowa and Texas, since Brian had lived there for a decade. Nice conversation at the Old Gold on Saturday. Iowa State was up at the half at Austin 14-3. I attended the '05 ISU game in Austin.

Time to head over to Melrose ...

We enjoyed the walk over to Melrose talking, laughing and enjoying our friendship, as two married guys should. Brian was telling me about a great episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm he had just seen this past week.

The little things in life. Watching the humanity associated with College Football Saturday in a small Midwestern Big Ten community.

We got to Melrose and looked around and talked with some people as we walked. We ended up stopping and having a great conversation with Marshall Cotton and his brother in-law from North Dakota. His brother in-law is an ISU alum, so we enjoyed the good news developing in Austin.

We met up with some good Badger fans. The Badger fan told me I was the only Hawkeye fan that answered his question the following way: You were rooting for the Badgers last Saturday night right? I said "no" because I wanted Ohio State #1 and undefeated heading into Kinnick.

It was great running into some new people on Melrose. Great conversation and rivalry.

Headed over to Kinnick Stadium and we ran into a student who mentioned something to Brian about Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi or "Manzi" and Brian and I smiled a little. The point came up latter outside Kinnick with a couple of young coeds.

We ran into a couple of coeds as we walked to Kinnick and Brian commented about Stanzi to them. As a Hawkeye fan, it was interesting to hear one of them talk about Stanzi. She wasn't a Stanzi fan. I asked. Are you from Keokuk? Nope, I am from the Iowa City area. I had to admit my thoughts that I never thought Iowa would win last year in Columbus, if Stanzi was at QB. Though, I never expected the game James Vandenberg turned in at Ohio State either.

There was one moment on Saturday I wondered how Vandenberg could run the offense? Of course, at the same time, teams at Kinnick were running with no backs and 5 receivers spread across the field.

It was a good game on Saturday. As a good friend has talked about for many years. If you are in a position to win a game, the game is competitive at the finish, you can't be disappointed about it. Good football is about going down the wire.

Wisconsin is a top 3 team in the Big Ten, after all.

Iowa found every way to shoot themselves in the foot, especially on special teams. Stanzi had a great game statistically, but his experience didn't lead him to pulling out the game. Iowa's receivers made some mistakes too. Our tackling has been suspect at times this season. I was happy to see true freshman James Morris enter the game at MLB. It was something I noticed after Iowa took the lead in the fourth quarter.

Keys the game (loss, if you want to look at it that way):

After the interception, Wisconsin holding Iowa to a FG, which made the game 30-24

The most critical play was Iowa's failure to not call a "safe punt defense" as the Hawkeye fan, who I had never met asked me ... you mean the defense vs. PSU in '09

Wisconsin's successful fake punt on the final drive for the Badgers that lead to the final go ahead TD

Clock management by Iowa players and coaching staff

Failure on special points did lead to four points not on the scoreboard for Iowa

In the end, it was a great game. The rain didn't damper the day. Though, my wife was right, it did rain. The fans in our section were great. The game was electric at times.
Iowa never played at the level many believe they are capable of. Our coaching staff needs to work on some things. We are young at spots this season.
After the game, we had a good walk back to our vehicle. It was nice visiting with some Hawkeye fans as the quiet crowd walked to their cars. Inside Kinnick, Badgers were likely enjoying the 5Th quarter tradition, there way on the road.
We got down to the Ped Mall and walked around. Brian and I were not in agreement for where we wanted to eat, but we had a nice chat and we finally went complete circle and settled on a couple of places for some food and continued conversation.
The lightning was noticeable as we ate. As we walked back to our vehicle, the rain was just about to start. We made it back and the rain began. It was a great day together building on our friendship and enjoying life ...
It wasn't a perfect Saturday, but it was nice to learn Iowa State and UNI won, as it was Homecoming for the Panthers. Brian and I had a great day spending time together. Friendship is more important than a single football game.
It was a long day, after a long week. After the long drive back to Cedar Rapids, with extremely heavy traffic with rain, I dropped off Brian and headed for home.
It was nice to see Carole, when I arrived home. She enjoyed a quiet day, since everyone else was gone. Our daughters at UNI were enjoying the Panther Homecoming weekend. Our youngest was working with a friend.
I picked up our youngest and called it a day by 10 p.m., which was a first for a very long time ...
It's Sunday, October 24Th,
and, there is plenty of work and more ahead ...

Watched a little Sunday television ...

Busy work week ahead for both Tommy Tucker Realty Co. and Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Busy work on the Campaign Trail as we head into Election Day

Prep Football Playoffs kick off mostly Wednesday night: Cedar Rapids Washington (6-3) at Dubuque Hempstead (7-2) - ironically, that is our friend Brian's old high school

The Hawkeyes face the top Big Ten team next Saturday at Kinnick, when Michigan State comes to town ...
As my tweet this morning suggests:
Life is Good: promote Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness with your
friends, neighbors and all you encounter in the path of life ... - Robin Tucker

Please support Miller-Meeks for Congress in the Second District of Iowa now and on Election Day, Tuesday, November 2Nd ...

Who should we send to Congress for the Second Congressional District ...

2010-10-18T17:45:00.004-05:00

May we suggest we elect and send Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks on November 2Nd to Washington D.C. ...

GOP Doctors Hope They Have Prescription to Win in November - Rollcall.com
Iowa ophthalmologist Mariannette Miller-Meeks had come to Washington, D.C., many times since 2000 to talk to members of her state’s Congressional delegation about health care. But during an April 2007 visit, she caught a fever for Capitol Hill ...

Absolutely not voting for Loebsack - Published in The Gazette on Monday by John McLaughlin of Cedar Rapids

Miller-Meeks respects, upholds Constitution - Lan Nowotny of Cedar Rapids to The Gazette

Loebsack needs to ‘prove it’ - Gary Sargent of Cedar Rapids to The Gazette

Dem ads against GOP not accurate on crux of FairTax proposal - The Hill
Democratic lawmakers struggling to find support from a skeptical electorate are using a Republican tactic to win votes by claiming their opponents will raise taxes if elected into office ...

We encourage you to vote now or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 2Nd for Miller-Meeks for Congress in Iowa's Second Congressional District.

As a business person, we received the following call to action from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ...

Robin,

With your help, we are closing strong in the waning days of this
election.

We have helped make jobs and the economy issue #1, and we have
continued to hit the airwaves with innovative ads driving home the need for
common sense reforms to get our economy back on track.

We have just
concluded one of the most aggressive phases of our issue advocacy effort –
reloading in roughly thirty of the most important... most competitive Senate and
House races nationwide.

While extreme liberal groups like MoveOn.org –
propped up by extreme liberals on Capitol Hill – are attempting to derail our
progress with baseless, desperate, last-minute attacks... we have STAYED ON
MESSAGE.

Our message remains rooted in the need for economic progress
and job growth across America. Their message has devolved into petty attacks
rooted in the tired old politics-of-the-past.

A recent Wall Street Journal editorial put it best:

"Democrats are unleashing government power to silence their political
opponents. Instead of piling on, the press corps ought to blow the whistle on
this attempt to stifle political speech. This is one more liberal abuse of power
that voters should consider as they head to the polls."

With two weeks
to go, I hope you will continue to help us help candidates who will come to
Washington, put principle over politics, and stand up for pro-growth economic
policies that will lead to REAL ECONOMIC PROGRESS in the years ahead. With your
help, we can continue to launch an invigorated, all out economic offensive
driving home the need for change in the closing days of these midterm elections.

It’s been a long and ugly campaign season, filled with partisan attacks
and political squabbling. We are all tired--no doubt about it. But we are SO
CLOSE to bringing about historic change on Capitol Hill. The work we put in over
the next two weeks will have positive and profound economic implications for
YEARS TO COME in Washington.

We are two weeks from Election Day on Tuesday

Robin Tucker

Renewed our membership to National Write Your Congressman today ...

2010-10-13T11:05:00.007-05:00

Meet with Gloria from Iowa City about National Write Your Congressman and our renewal. NWYC has been helping connect voters, taxpayers and Americans with Washington D.C. for now 52 years.

National Write Your Congressman's mission is ...

To encourage responsible Americans to use their influence in the government to
preserve the freedoms set forth by our Founding Fathers.

Robin Tucker

Thank you to Miller-Meeks supporters who attended pre-Debate Rally at Mt. Mercy University ...

2010-10-12T23:24:00.004-05:00
We enjoyed attending the pre-Debate Rally at Mt. Mercy University tonight ahead of the IA-02 Debate sponsored by The Gazette and KCRG-TV9.

Photo album from The Gazette on the pre-Debate Rally. Miller-Meeks supporters were out 3 to 1 over Loebsack supporters. Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks pictured entering the Mt. Mercy University venue ahead of the Tuesday, October 12, 2010 debate for IA-02 ...

Loebsack, Miller-Meeks make their pitches at Mount Mercy debate - The Gazette
Rep. Dave Loebsack and Republican challenger Mariannette Miller-Meeks talked about Loebsack’s two terms in Congress tonight, and what Miller-Meeks would do differently if her second bid to unseat the two-term Democratic incumbent is successful ...
"She wants to see a conversation on the tax code and how it can be reformed, and
that's something I think business people in this country want to see as
well. It's an honest discussion that needs to take place." - Robin Tucker
Loebsack, Miller-Meeks spar over taxes and spending - IowaPolitics.com
CEDAR RAPIDS — Taxes were the biggest area of disagreement between U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Mount Vernon, and Republican challenger Mariannette Miller-Meeks during a cordial, civilized debate Tuesday night at Mount Mercy University, although they often disagreed more about what they've said on the issue rather than what they plan to do about it ...
2nd District Debate: Loebsack v Miller-Meeks Delayed Live-Blog ‎- Blog for Iowa (blog)
By Month By Year BFIA intended to live-blog the debate but couldn't gain ... Miller-Meeks: No one knows...difficult question...there could have been actions ...

Second District Candidates Clash on Healthcare, Flood Recovery ‎ - KCRG
AFL-CIO attacks Miller-Meeks, Zaun in two more mailers ‎ - Iowa Independent
Second district congressional candidates spar over flood recovery ‎ - Radio Iowa

2nd District Debate Tonight: Watch it! ‎- KCRG
This follows the rousing Thursday, Oct. 7, debate between Democratic Gov. ... Dave Loebsack and Republican challenger Mariannette Miller-Meeks will be at ...

We are supporting Miller-Meeks for Congress. We believe a new face in Washington D.C. is what Iowans in the 2Nd Congressional Distirct will benefit from in 2010.

Robin Tucker

National Write Your Congressman on Small Business: Federal Legislation ...

2010-10-11T16:14:00.006-05:00

http://www.nwyc.com/
Monday, October 11, 2010

Major tax breaks and access to capital in new jobs bill
In an attempt to jumpstart business activity, a new small business jobs bill was passed that has several attention-getting provisions that add new twists to some old tax breaks. Also, this bill contains a $30 billion small business lending feature targeted to small and mid-sized community banks.

Substantial increase in popular business equipment write-off for 2010 and 2011
While certainly not new, the increase in the amount of this tax break is stunning. As you know, business asset purchases normally must be depreciated over a period of time. However, the tax code allows a business to elect to expense (immediately write-off) the purchases which yields an immediate tax deduction and large tax savings. In 2010, the ceiling on immediate write-off was $250,000, but, was scheduled to significantly decrease after 2010.
Small Business Jobs Act: The small business bill retroactively doubles the 2010 expensing amount to $500,000 of equipment purchases and applies to 2011 as well.

First time ever: tax break for certain real estate improvements
Effective immediately and retroactive to all of 2010 as well as 2011, and, for the first time ever, the first $250,000 of real property improvements to leased property, restaurant property and improvements to retail-business property can be applied against taxable income in the year the cost is incurred. (Typically, these costs are recouped using long depreciation periods.) This has never happened!

Back in play: large bonus depreciation
New life! Given up for dead with its expiration after 2009, this new legislation retroactively allows for “bonus depreciation” equal to 50% of the cost of equipment purchased in 2010 and 2011. Any cost left over after bonus depreciation can be deducted under the normal depreciation write-off rules. NOTE: Bonus depreciation is taken AFTER the equipment expensing election discussed above. This potentially allows the majority of the cost of equipment purchased in 2010 and 2011 to offset taxable income.

Sole proprietors can deduct health insurance on Schedule C in 2010
Small businesses that operate as unincorporated sole proprietors have never been able to deduct the cost of health insurance in calculating the 15.3% self employment tax. Instead, only one-half the insurance cost was deducted as an above the line deduction. The Small Business Jobs bill moves the deduction to Schedule C where it reduces self-employment tax.

Access to credit for small business
In an attempt to stimulate lending to the small business community, the bill creates a $30 billion Small Business Lending Fund that will make capital available solely for small business lending by local and mid-market community banks.

The interesting part of this program is that community banks have a huge incentive to loan the money because the banks repayment rate to the feds is tied to increased lending to small business. Participating banks can lower their rate by increasing small business lending by 10 percent over the previous year.

1099 reporting requirements failed to make the cut.
Included among the controversy of health care reform is expanded reporting requirements of all payments received from vendors beginning in 2012. It has been a major target of repeal by virtually all the small business sector. A repeal of the very unpopular expanded 1099 reporting requirements did not make it into this bill as two separate amendments were defeated.
NOTE: The battle over this issue is far from over and will receive major attention in virtually all proposed legislation in the coming year.

Expiring tax cuts: what’s the latest?
It’s looking more like the decision on expiring Bush-era tax breaks will occur after the November elections. There seems to be consensus on both sides that many of the tax breaks will be extended. The disagreement in Congress is on the tax breaks for upper-incomers: should they be extended or expire. Also included in this debate is what to do about the estate tax which is scheduled to increase in 2011 to significantly higher tax rates.

Tax Planning: Capital gain, dividend and income tax rates
Because we may not know until December whether these rates expire or not, you’ll want to have scenarios ready for stock sales, paying or deferring bonuses and expenditures so that you make the right choices as the tax rates become available.

The information contained herein is general in nature and is not intended as legal, accounting or tax advice or opinion as provided by National Write Your Congressman. The reader should seek professional guidance prior to taking any action based upon this information. National Write Your Congressman shall have no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or others which may affect the information provided.

Thank you for being a responsible American; your voice is making a difference.

*** *** ***
The Governor's Debate was last week, now we turn to IA-02 for Congress.

It will be interesting on Tuesday, October 12Th at Mt. Mercy University to see the debate in IA-02. For more information on the debate:

Debate for Iowa’s 2Nd Congressional District in Cedar Rapids Oct. 12 - The Gazette
Next up, the race for Congress in Iowa — specifically, the state’s 2Nd Congressional District seat ...

Vote now or on Tuesday, November 2Nd in Iowa.

Robin Tucker

We are approaching 10:10 p.m. on 10/10/10 ...

2010-10-10T22:10:00.004-05:00

As the old KCRG-TV news used to say before each newscast : it's 10 o'clock, in this case, 10:10 p.m., do you know where your children are?

Robin Tucker

Attended the Governor's Debate last night at Coe College here in Cedar Rapids ...

2010-10-08T13:17:00.004-05:00
As a supporter of Terry Branstad, I attended the Governor's Debate held at Coe College here in Cedar Rapids. Mr. Branstad had spoke at our Rotary Club on Monday at Noon, so it was interesting to hear him during the debate.

It was a great turnout and it was nice to visit with neighbors and friends on both sides Others were outside promoting a particular issue, such as Education or Less Government. It was nice to invite a fellow businessman, as well, who was interested in the race.

I enjoyed a short visit with one of Mr. Culver's staff, as we were headed back to our cars, after the event at Coe College. Mr. Culver will hopefully only serve one term. Mr. Branstad brings more experience to the table, after serving as President of Des Moines University, most recently, after four terms as Governor of Iowa from 1983 to 1999.

Don't forget to vote now or on November 2, 2010.

On the Campus of Mt. Mercy University on Tuesday night, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks will debate incumbent Dave Loebsack for the 2Nd Congressional District in Iowa. It's time for Iowa to send a new face to Congress. Dr. Miller-Meeks is a qualified person, and it would be nice to see our state send a lady to Washington D.C.

Robin Tucker

The R&P Report for Monday, October 4, 2010 ...

2010-10-04T14:23:00.005-05:00

www.nwyc.com The R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman
Vol. 14 No. 2-29
Monday, October 4, 2010

REVIEW

Voting Day Reminder: midterm elections Nov. 2.

Small-Business Bill: The House cleared a small-business measure sending it to the Funding the Government: The House cleared a stopgap funding measure to ensure the federal government will keep running while Congress is out for the midterm elections recess. As the last major item on the agenda before lawmakers head for the campaign trail, the continuing resolution was sent to the President for a signature. (H.R.3081)

Federal Election Act: The House passed a measure to prohibit certain state election administration officials from actively participating in electoral campaigns. (H.R.512)

Plain Writing Act: The House passed a bill on to the White House that would require the federal government to write documents, such as tax returns, federal college aid applications, and Veterans Administration forms in simple easy-to-understand language. The bill’s final version passed the House by a vote of 341-82. Earlier last week, it received unanimous consent in the Senate. (H.R.946)

Expiring Tax Cuts: House Democrats punted a vote on extending the 2001 and 2003 (Bush) tax cuts until after the elections.

Financial Services Overhaul: In the first major legal challenge to the implementation of the financial services overhaul enacted this summer, two key business lobbies pressed a federal judge to overturn a new rule giving shareholders power to install or oust members of corporate boards of directors.

Child Nutrition: Despite the President’s push for action, the House put off consideration of a Senate-passed child nutrition bill until the lame-duck session. To help offset new spending on school nutrition programs, the bill taps $2.2 billion from a temporary boost in food stamp benefits scheduled in 2013. (S. 3307)

Water and Chemical Plant Security: For the third time in four years, lawmakers are set to extend the existing authority of the Department of Homeland Security to regulate chemical facilities that present high levels of risk. The provision is in the fiscal 2011 small-dollar stopgap spending bill and is the latest signal that lawmakers are struggling over how strictly the department should police the industry. (H.R.3081)

Minority Class Action Settlements: Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) blamed Republican opposition for blocking the Senate from ratifying settlements of longstanding legal claims by black farmers and American Indians. Fraud and lax oversight in awards made in past settlements were sighted as a reason for concern.

Cuba Travel: A House committee is expected to mark up a bill this year that would lift the U.S. ban on travel to Cuba. (H.R.4645)

Military Budget Cuts: Adm. Mike Mullen said the military was near a “tipping point” where reductions could make it unable to meet its requirements. “We need to fund the war we are in because I have people on the front line sacrificing their lives,” he said and urged lawmakers not to cut funds for weapons.

Fallen Soldiers’ Insurance: The House passed a bill that would require insurance companies to provide increased transparency when dealing with the families of fallen soldiers. The measure is in response to questions about how Prudential was explaining benefits available to families of deceased service members. Rather than giving them the opportunity to receive lump sum settlements, Prudential was automatically putting their money into “retained asset accounts,” where the company can earn interest on any money not drawn out of the account. (H.R.5993)

PREVIEW
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: The military is now reviewing the results of surveys it requested from service members and their families about ending the ban on openly gay individuals serving in the military. Almost half a million military personnel were surveyed. Congress is expected to revisit the issue after the elections.

The Week Ahead: The House and the Senate are on recess until after the midterm elections. They are scheduled to return to Capitol Hill Nov. 15.

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

Other News on the Campaign Trail ...

Voting has begun for the November 2Nd Midterm Election in Iowa!

Satellite voting begins today at the River of Life Church @ 3801 Blairs
Ferry RD NE. Hours are Noon to 6PM. - from http://twitter.com/lc_elections
October 4, 2010 WATCH LIVE: Branstad Meets With Editorial Board - The Gazette
The Gazette editorial board is meeting with Republican gubernatorial candidate Terry Branstad today, starting at 1:30 p.m...

Prior to meeting with the Gazette Editorial Board, Terry Branstad was the program at the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids on Monday, October 4Th.

Miller-Meeks will work hard for Iowa‎ -Muscatine Journal
While Miller-Meeks has participated in telephone town halls, there is nothing like actually meeting people to gauge their sincerity and commitment. ...

"Mariannette Miller-Meeks has proven that she's ready to take on Democrat
incumbent Dave Loebsack, a Washington insider who has blindly supported his
party's failed agenda of job-killing policies and reckless spending.
Mariannette's campaign is a symbol of the growing momentum behind Republican
candidates in Iowa and across the country. As Democrats and their party bosses
continue to force their..." - NRCC Chariman Pete Sessions (R-TX)
Miller- Meeks Campaign: Mariannette Miller- Meeks advances to top level of ... - IowaPolitics.com (press release)
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) has reached 'Young Gun' status, the premiere ...

Robin Tucker

Good Day to You All: Monday, October 4, 2010 ...

2010-10-04T10:52:00.001-05:00

Time to get started with the first full week of October 2010 ...
Looking forward to my Rotary Club meeting at Noon, where Terry Branstad (pictured on right), the Republican candidate for Governor will be speaking as today's program. Branstad served four terms previously in the 1980s and 90s. His Lt. Governor selection is State Senator Kim Reynolds (pictured to his left), who previously was a county treasurer, so she brings a strong amount of local government experience to the ticket.
Robin Tucker

Joe Paterno and Penn State are in town for a Homecoming Game for the University of Iowa and the kick off of the 2010 Big Ten season ...

2010-10-02T09:49:00.003-05:00

Happy Homecoming weekend everyone! Here's to the quest for the Rose Bowl in 2010 for the Iowa Hawkeyes ...

We had a great Friday night with 12 Washington High School freshman and a lovely home dinner before the Homecoming dance. Thank you to the Ross family for hosting a wonderful dinner.

Now, it's Hawkeye Football and Homecoming weekend in Iowa City! #17 Iowa hosts #21 Penn State at Kinnick Stadium at 7 p.m. Central Time, also nationally on ESPN.

In 1974, I began attending Hawkeye football games at Kinnick Stadium with my mother and father. They were long-time ticket holders dating back to the "Fainting Irish" days at Kinnick Stadium. Actually, my first Hawkeye game, I ever attended was in West Lafayette, when Iowa traveled to play Purdue a couple of seasons before.

Iowa was 1-1 as Penn State came to town in 1974. Bob Commings was Iowa's head coach, in his first year, and Iowa was coming off a 21-10 win over Top 20 UCLA at Kinnick the previous week. It was a disappointing 0-27 game at Kinnick back in 1974.

Now, fast forward to 2010, and Joe Paterno is bringing his Penn State Nittany Lions back into Iowa City for now a Big Ten game between Iowa-Penn State. Iowa is going for eight win in nine games vs. the Nittany Lions and Joe Paterno in the Big Ten.

Will this be Joe Paterno's final visit as head coach of the Nittany Lions? He is in his remarkable 45Th season as head coach of the boys from Happy Valley. It's likely many Hawkeye fans and even Nittany Lion fans have asked that question before. The Gazette writer Marc Morehouse has a story headlined today in GameDay titled "Joe's last stand?"

I have enjoyed coach Joe Paterno, since the days of watching Joe Cappelletti run wild and win the Heisman Trophy at Penn State.

Here's to Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz continuing to hold Penn State's number and pulling off another exciting victory. Iowa's first win was in 1930 in Iowa City over Penn State. The series is tied 11-11, lifetime.

Here's to a win at Kinnick Stadium tonight. On Iowa!

Robin Tucker

We welcome the Month of October with awareness and information ...

2010-10-01T10:48:00.005-05:00

We welcome in the month of October. This month is the 25Th year anniversary of celebrating awareness, education and empowerment of breast cancer. I pulled out a "pink" Breast Cancer Awareness strap to wear.

We celebrated our 65Th anniversary of business this year at Tucker Manufacturing Co., Inc in 2010. My grandmother, who was the spouse of our founder, I.L. "Irv" Tucker was a breast cancer survivor, during her later years in life. We found out today that one of our customers is currently fighting breast cancer in California. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and all facing this challenge in life.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Celebrating 25 Years of ...
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection.www.nbcam.org/

Free Information
Events
Downloads
FAQ
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November/December - Neutropenia
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Breast Cancer Q & A

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: 26 Years On, Where Do We Stand?‎ - CBS
Breast cancer continues to take a heavy toll on American women, 26 years after health advocates named October National Breast Awareness Month. ...
As we head into the fourth quarter of 2010, we celebrate Homecoming at Washington High School tonight and the University of Iowa's Homecoming game is Saturday night with the Big Ten opener with Penn State. Autumn is truly upon us and Big Ten Conference football kicks off this weekend at five campuses.
Vote Early or On Tuesday, November 2Nd.
Need to Register to Vote in Iowa? pdf link
Obtain an Absentee Ballot in the State of Iowa
Robin Tucker

Homecoming Game at Kingston Stadium for Washington High School ...

2010-09-30T17:20:00.005-05:00
Well, the alma mater is celebrating Homecoming tonight at Kingston Stadium with a great match up in high school football.

Washington High School vs. Iowa City High

Can the Warriors knock off the defending Class 4A football champions in a key Mississippi Valley Conference game?

Prep football: 10 must-see games - The Des Moines Register

– Iowa City High at Cedar Rapids Washington. No. 3 City High (5-0) has won 19 consecutive games. Ronald Thompson
is the team’s leading rusher with 668 yards.

Ronald Thompson: City High's talented back
Washington (also 5-0) is an offensive powerhouse led by Alex
Carr (906 yards, 18 TDs rushing). Check your calendar, this is a Thursday game.
Both teams are ranked: Wash is No. 10. - The Des Moines Register

City High knocked off Washington in route to the 2009 Class 4A Football Championship last season in Iowa City. It will be a tough game again between two Top 10 opponents in the MVC.

Robin Tucker

The R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman for Monday, September 27, 2010 ...

2010-09-27T11:46:00.005-05:00
http://www.nwyc.com/
Vol. 14 No. 2-28
Monday, September 27, 2010

REVIEW

Voting Day Reminder: midterm elections Nov. 2.

Small-Business Bill: The House cleared a small-business measure sending it to the President to sign into law. The bill would establish a $30 billion lending fund to provide community banks with capital for small business loans. The measure includes $12 billion in tax incentives aimed at small businesses. It would revive an expired bonus-depreciation provision and allow all capital gains from certain small-business stock to be excluded from taxation. (H.R. 5297)
National Defense Bill: The bill is on hold after Democrats amended it with a provision that would extend legal status and a path to citizenship for certain children of illegal aliens. It also included language that would eliminate the ban on gays serving openly in the military. Lawmakers voted not to bring the measure to the floor for a vote. (S.3454)
Expiring Tax Cuts: Senate Democrats signaled that they are unlikely to schedule a vote on extending the expiring 2001 and 2003 (Bush) tax cuts before Congress leaves Capitol Hill for the campaign trail this week. (S.3816)
Cyber-security: The leader of the Pentagon’s Cyber Command asked lawmakers to continue to provide funding to the new unit as it works to find ways to combat threats to computer networks. (S.773) (S.3480)
Food Safety: A Senate Committee approved a measure to strengthen criminal penalties for companies and individuals that knowingly violate food safety standards. The bill would increase penalties for distributing tainted food products and establish fines and prison sentences of up to 10 years for violations. Under the measure, such an offense would be a felony. (S 3767)
“Fair Elections Fund”: A House panel approved a bill that would provide public financing of congressional elections to the House. It would provide primary and general election candidates who abide by certain restrictions with federal financial support from a newly created “Fair Elections Fund” and would receive 400 percent matching payments for certain small-dollar contributions. The bill would use proceeds from spectrum (electromagnetic wavelengths) auctions to help finance political campaigns. (H.R.6116)
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Campaign Finance Bill: The Senate again rejected (59-39) an effort by Majority Leader Harry Reid to call up a campaign finance disclosure measure. GOP members united against the bill. (S.3628)
Prescription Drug Monitoring: The House passed a bill aimed at preventing drug abuse. It would reauthorize a program to assist states in monitoring prescription drug use and would authorize $15 million for fiscal 2011 and $10 million annually from fiscal 2012-2013. (H.R.5710)
Autism Grant: The House passed a measure to expand aid to those with autism and their families. The bill would authorize $17 million annually for fiscal 2012-16 for grants for services rendered to children and adults with autism. (H.R. 5756)
PREVIEW
Continuing Resolution (CR): The Senate is expected to pass a short-term CR to fund most government operations past the end of the 2010 fiscal year. It may contain extra funding for the Pell Grant program for low-income college students.
Child Nutrition: The House is expected to consider legislation that would authorize the first increase in decades for per-meal reimbursement to schools. (S.3307) (H.R.5504)
China Currency: The House is expected to advance a bill aimed at China’s currency practices. Many experts say that China maintains the yuan at an artificially low value to keep Chinese exports cheap and imports expensive. (H.R.2378)
The Week Ahead: Before Oct. recess, lawmakers in both chambers will address a CR to keep the government funded. The House is expected to address a loan guarantee program for home construction and a child nutrition measure. The Senate will address a Social Security payroll tax bill.
Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF
Early voting has begun for the 2010 General Election on November 2, 2010 in the State of Iowa.
Both parties pushing the early vote - The Des Moines Register
Need to Register to Vote in Iowa? pdf link!
Obtain an Absentee Ballot in the State of Iowa
News on Miller-Meeks campaign in the 2Nd Congressional District of Iowa.
Miller-Meeks for Congress » Welcome
Miller-Meeks within 1 point of Loebsack, 41-40% (September 16th ... 09-20-2010 MILLER-MEEKS FOR CONGRESS EVENT SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER 20-25 ...
Miller-Meeks wants less stimulus, lower taxes - ‎UI The Daily Iowan
"And that will require a change in Congress." Miller-Meeks spoke to a small group of people Sunday in Iowa City about the changes she wants to bring to ...
AFL-CIO sends out more campaign mailers in Iowa‎ - DesMoinesRegister.com (blog)
A union group is sending out more mailers that promote two Iowa Democrats seeking re-election to Congress.
American Future Fund Political Action: Endorses Mariannette Miller ...‎ - IowaPolitics.com (press release)
Miller-Meeks changes stance on Social Security privatization‎ - Mason City Globe Gazette
If you are in Cedar Rapids and have questions regarding voting, please contact me at my office at 319.366.7791 x 103. It is important that we participate in our election process.
Robin Tucker

The final weekend of September is approaching ...

2010-09-24T11:29:00.004-05:00
We are nearing the end of another month already, with the final weekend of September. How quickly 2010 is moving forward. The College Football season will be a third of the way gone for most in the Big Ten Conference, after The Throwback Game on Saturday vs. Ball State.

The Washington Warriors are back at Kingston Stadium Friday night. Will the weather cooperate? Will it cooperate at Kingston on Saturday? The Warriors face the Dubuque Senior Rams in another Mississippi Valley game.

On Thursday, September 23Rd, early voting started in Iowa for the November 2Nd general election. For early satellite voting, here's a link for Linn County and other early voting locations around the State of Iowa. There is less than 40 days now, until Election Day 2010. Want to volunteer for the GOP, link. Information on Miller-Meeks for Congress, visit her web site.

Robin Tucker