Local Cedar Rapidian, Creighton University and Dartmouth College Graduate to run for GOP nominee for Governor in 2010 ...

Congratulations to Christian Fong of Cedar Rapids for his interest in becoming our next Governor for the great State of Iowa. Christian Fong is a graduate of Creighton University and has his MBA from the Tuck School of Business At Dartmouth College.

As a fellow Cedar Rapidian and Creighton graduate, it is interesting to see Christian Fong step forward to run for Governor. He is also a fellow Rotarian and member of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids.

Christian Fong grew up near Underwood, Iowa, in western Iowa near Omaha, Nebraska. His father is a math professor at Creighton. Christian Fong currently serves as Vice Chair of the Generation Iowa Commission. He works as head of Real Estate Capital Markets for AEGON USA in Cedar Rapids.

Christian Fong seeks the GOP nomination for Governor in 2010, in an already crowded field for the Republicans. It's interesting to see a member of the Cedar Rapids community step up for this important statewide office in 2010.

Cedar Rapids businessman Christian Fong enters crowded GOP ...‎ - WQAD
By AP CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Cedar Rapids businessman Christian Fong has announced his candidacy for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. ...

Fong enters 2010 governor race - Sioux City JournalJames Q. Lynch of fellow Lee newspaper this afternoon broke news that Christian Fong, 32, of Cedar Rapids has entered the 2010 Iowa GOP governor's race. ...

Fong joins race for governor - DesMoinesRegister.com - Kathie Obradovich
When Gov. Chet Culver appointed Christian Fong to the Generation Iowa Commission, ...

Cedar Rapids Businessman Running For Governor - WCCO


Iowa Independent - Fong enters GOP race for governor
Iowa
Independent


Fong Makes It Official - Launches Gubernatorial Campaign - The Iowa Republican

Robin Tucker

This Week in Washington D.C.: Review and Preview from nwyc.com

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

REVIEW

“Cap and Trade” Energy Legislation: The House narrowly approved the landmark legislation by a 219-212 vote. The measure would put the Department of Agriculture, rather than the EPA, in charge of special projects to reduce emissions in rural areas. It would not set new greenhouse gas emission standards for aircraft, but does include new standards for motor vehicles and off-road equipment. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. (H.R.2454).

Health Care Package: Senators are looking at ways to lower the cost of a health care draft bill to $1 trillion or less. The action came after an initial cost estimate of the bill was $1.6 trillion over a decade. Under the measure, a portion of employer-paid health insurance premiums could be taxed. The bill could also include a government-run insurance option. Senators are continuing to discuss how to deal with employers who do not cover their workers, which drives up emergency-room costs. The bill will be brought to the floor after the July 4Th recess.

Homeland Security: The House will consider fourteen amendments to a bill that would provide funds for Homeland Security programs. The measure would provide $42.6 billion in fiscal 2010 discretionary funds for the Department of Homeland Security, $205 million less than requested. The measure includes authorizing language governing the handling of Guantánamo Bay detainees. (H.R.2892).

Chemical Facilities Regulations: The House Homeland Security Committee approved a bill along party lines that would require chemical facilities to use safer technologies. It would open the facilities to civil lawsuits if they violate regulations. (H.R.2868).

Defense Authorization: The House passed the $550 billion FY 2010 Defense Authorization bill by a vote of 389 - 22. It extends through FY 2010 authority to provide income equalization payments to reserve personnel experiencing extended and frequent active-duty mobilizations and provides a special monthly allowance to service members recovering from combat or combat-related catastrophic injuries. Also in the bill, a 3.4 percent boost in military pay is included.

Lawmakers are discussing whether to keep expanding ground-based missile defense in Alaska and how to restructure the military commission process for prisoners held at the detention center in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.The administration has threatened to veto any defense authorization bill that includes money for additional F-22 Raptor fighter jets, though the House Armed Services Committee has approved a bill that includes more than $300 million as a down payment to buy 12 F-22s in 2010. (H.R.2647).

Disabled Veterans: The House passed a bill (H.R.2990) to increase the number of disabled veterans eligible for military retired pay and for veterans’ disability compensation. The vote was 404 - 0. The measure would be added to the defense bill (H.R.2467) before the House votes on passage.

Impeachment Proceedings Avoided: Congress was taking steps to impeach District Judge Samuel Kent, who is currently serving a 33-month sentence. Mr. Kent sent the Senate a notice of his resignation, effective June 30, 2009, thus avoiding the need for impeachment.

Satellite Television Bill: An energy subcommittee approved legislation that would reauthorize the law governing the way satellite television carriers distribute local broadcast stations to markets without local affiliates. Negotiators are debating whether to compel satellite providers to broadcast local TV signals to markets that do not receive them. Satellite companies want broadcasters to help cover the cost of reaching these remote markets. (H.R.2994).

Tourism Bill Stalled: After weeks of work, the Senate returned a tourism measure to the calendar to be considered in the future. The bill would have created a nonprofit corporation to promote tourism to the U.S. from overseas. It would be paid for by establishing a $10 fee for foreigners visiting the U.S. (S.1023).

PREVIEW

The House and the Senate will observe a July 4Th recess. The Senate is due to reconvene on July 6. The House is scheduled to return on July 7Th. The Senate will take up the Defense Authorization bill and both chambers will continue work on the health care package. Look for your next R & P Monday, July 13.

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

Cedar Rapids, Iowa U.S. Representative

State of Iowa Senators' Contact Information:

Representative Dave Loebsack
1513 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-1502
Phone: (202) 225-6576
Fax: (202) 226-0757
Website: http://Loebsack.house.gov/Webform: http://loebsack.house.gov/contactform/

Senator Charles Grassley
SH-135 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-1501
Phone: (202) 224-3744
Fax: (202) 224-6020
Website: http://Grassley.senate.gov/Webform: grassley.senate.gov/webform.htm

Senator Tom Harkin
SH-731 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-1502
Phone: (202) 224-3254
Fax: (202) 224-9369
Website: http://Harkin.senate.gov/Webform: harkin.senate.gov/contact/contact

Robin Tucker

As a member of National Write Your Congressman, I receive a weekly newsletter.

June 29, 2009: Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting

Robin is of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids. My father, Tommy Tucker celebrates his 45Th anniversary in Rotary this month. My Rotary anniversary will be coming in September.

Welcome to The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids

Meetings on Monday at Noon - The Crowne Plaza Hotel, 350 1st Avenue NE

District 5970 Club 2185

Today's meeting will feature our speaker:

Mike Tramontina, Director

Iowa Department of Economic Development

6/29/2009, 12:00 PM

Mike Tramontina's LinkedIn

Robin Tucker

The University of Iowa athletics takes a serious approach against alcohol-related problems ...

The Gazette reported in an on-line article dated June 26, 2009 titled Iowa officials: Alcohol arrests not epidemic
IOWA CITY — University of Iowa athletics department officials are concerned but...

The Gazette article pointed out the following...

Department penalties rank among the nation’s most stringent, Mims said. An
athlete receiving a ticket for underage possession of alcohol must perform six
to eight hours of alcohol education designed by the school’s social services
program consultant, Marvin Sims. A second possession ticket or a first-offense
alcohol arrest results in a first strike in a three-strike program. A first
strike means the student-athlete must complete an alcohol education program, be
put on notice and perform 20 hours of community service. A second strike means
automatic suspension pending a full alcoholism assessment and 30 hours of
community service. - The Gazette

The University of Iowa has a reputation as a party school. Whether it be the Princeton Review or Playboy, the U of I is known for its social attributes.

My sister and brother attended the University of Iowa. My wife, Carole, attended Summer School at the University of Iowa, while she was finishing up at Coe College. I was headed to the University of Iowa, until I decided to check out Creighton University. So, I am a Creighton graduate; and U of I football fan and ticket holder, since I started attending games back in 1974.

Robin Tucker

It's My Sister's Anniversary and I am approaching an anniversary of sorts myself ...

My sister Marcia, who resides in Tucson, Arizona, with her husband Chester and our niece, Jennifer, celebrate their 28Th wedding anniversary on June 27, 2009. Marcia graduated from the University of Iowa. She is a former member of Up With People. In the early days of the Super Bowl, if you are old enough to remember, where the lead performing act at halftime. How things have changed.

My parents, while we were growing up, sponsored some members of Up With People, when they performed in our community. It's a group that I haven't thought about in ages, but with my sister's anniversary, I thought we would share with everyone.

We celebrate an anniversary of sorts next week. On July 2, 2007, we celebrate a decision I once made, so I thought I would reflect on it. I likely have a few more blog readers today, than I did back in '07.

It's funny to reflect on my sister's anniversary. The week of her wedding was hot, as the high was around 119 degrees. Of course, she wasn't married in our hometown.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the coming Fourth of July wherever you may be.

Robin Tucker

What should be the Top Priority of local government in Cedar Rapids?

Mayor Kay Halloran told the attendees at the Fair Housing Conference on June 25, 2009 that "Housing" was the City of Cedar Rapids' top priority. While housing is certainly important in our community, is it really the #1 priority for local government in Cedar Rapids?

What about Public Safety?

The private sector certainly has housing as a very important priority, but why should it be #1 priority for local government? Individuals should have a priority, when it comes to housing. Local government plays a far greater role in public safety, than housing. At least that should be the case.

Jobs, housing and economic development are all important. Local government must help the private sector in making those priorities efficiently be obtained. The lack of Public Safety can have a negative impact on jobs, housing and economic development, so for local government... public safety needs to be highest priority on our local government's priority list.

Local government should remain limited in scope, when it comes to jobs, housing and economic development. Public Safety, public infrastructure, delivery of public services, finance and parks are the primary categories for local government, whether it be Cedar Rapids or elsewhere.

Cedar Rapids historically has been a safe, family-friendly community with a good education system and work ethic as one of the November mayoral candidates recently pointed out in an article.

“That’s really been the bedrock of our community.” - Ron Corbett

However, public safety is a concern in the City of Cedar Rapids today. We are seeing an increase of burglaries, street violence and sadly, even worse violence, which leads to the loss of human life. The Gazette reports a murder occurred in Cedar Rapids on Friday, June 26, 2009 over a dice game.

Authorities investigate the shooting Friday night at the Cedarwood Hills
apartment complex, 2030 Glass Rd. NE. One man died of injuries suffered in the
shooting. - The Gazette

A community cannot tackle housing as effective as they need, if our local government doesn't take a strong commitment towards public safety. We need leadership in Cedar Rapids and Public Safety should be their #1 priority.

[PDF] The Role of Local Government in Community Safety
View as HTML From Crime Prevention to. Community Safety. Mayors and
local government officials have played a major role in the evolution of
community safety over ...

Housing is a priority best left for the private sector. Local government must take the lead on Public Safety. Community policing is a key component, which includes housing enforcement, zoning and use, along with police, fire and safe streets and infrastructure.

Remember, public safety doesn't stop with local government. Citizens, neighbors, the business community and the community at large must play a major role in crime prevention and safe neighborhoods. The Police can't do it alone.

Robin Tucker

Small Business Recovery Group finishes long week of work leading up to final feedback to IDED ...

On Monday, June 22, 2009, the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids speaker was Gary Ficken from the Small Business Recovery Group. Here's a review from "The Ripples" Newsletter of our club:

GARY FICKEN - CEDAR RAPIDS SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY GROUP
Shannon Meyer, President of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce,
prefaced Gary Ficken's presentation on Monday by saying that the allocation of
the $517 million in Community Development Block Grants to Iowa recently
announced by Shaun Donovan, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, was unfair to small businesses hurt by the flood. Only $25 million (5%) was
allocated to the business sector, state-wide. It was in the form of a $20
million loan interest expense program and $5 million in business rental
assistance. It was less than the $26 million allocated to the cost of
administration for the distribution of the funds. It compares to $380
million (74%) to new housing and home buyouts. She called the allocation
"unacceptable." Gary and Doug Schumacher are the two co-founders of
the Cedar Rapids Small Business Recovery Group. They have instituted a
business outreach program and maintain an Internet site to promote
organizational objectives to business victims of the flood. They presented
an emotional video about the effects of the flood on the Cedar Rapids small
business community. Gary Ficken is the owner of Bimm-Ridder
Sportswear, a 21 year-old Cedar Rapids business that suffered a $1.4 million
loss in the flood. Ficken said Bimm-Ridder's pre-flood debt was
approximately $130 thousand and as a result of the flood now stands at $900
thousand. He said the flood has changed his life. The small business
group has some real problems. Because of a lack of federal funding,
businesses affected by the flood have had to borrow to rebuild. Total
estimated small business physical losses (no "soft" costs) in Cedar Rapids
(Vernon Research) amounted to $239 million. Small business forgivable loan
assistance distributed as of June 1, 2009 amounts to $29.6 million.About 40% of
the debt load for small businesses has been created with SBA loans and 60%
created with commercial bank and other loans. An estimate based on 650
affected small businesses shows an average small business loss of approximately
$367 thousand ($249 thousand for building damage and $118 thousand for furniture
and fixtures, inventory, machinery and equipment). The average grant and
forgivable loan award per business amounted to approximately $46 thousand,
leaving a funding "gap" of approximately $322 thousand. This 88% gap in
funding per business is the crux of the problem for most affected small
businesses. The gap represents additional debt load on top of debt before the
flood. The additional debt load created by the flood only brings the
businesses back to pre-flood conditions, but does not improve the performance or
profitability of the businesses. It does not create more jobs or add new
equipment or inventory. It also does not take into account the depletion
to savings and retirement accounts used to fund recovery. Ficken predicts
that these higher debt levels will lead to a growing rate of business failures
in the future. Based on historical disaster occurrence statistics, more
than 300 additional businesses will shut their doors in the next two years
because they will not be able to sustain this level of debt. This will be
in addition to over 100 that have already shut their doors for good.

The Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) completed receipt of feedback at 4:30 pm on June 26, 2009 regarding the allocation of $517 million of CBDG funds. The City Council letter was one piece of feedback for IDED on the existing plan, along with Business Owners in the Cedar Rapids area.

Articles covering the Small Business Recovery Group; the group had a busy week after presentations to Rotary on June 22, 2009 and the City Council on June 24, 2009

Small Businesses Asking For "Fair Share" of Federal Funds - KCRG's Justin Foss ‎
But with so much attention going to homeowners, the Cedar Rapids Small Business Recovery Group says the state is setting businesses up to fail. ...

Flooded businesses feel slighted in latest aid round - The Gazette Online's Dave DeWitte
“The business community has offered ideas to help — they're just not getting funded,” Gary Ficken, president of the Cedar Rapids Small Business Recovery ...

Cedar Rapids businesses say federal aid not enough - Gazette Online

Robin Tucker

The Gazette reports on first flood gathering with Gazette, City in Cedar Rapids ...

Cedar Rapids neighborhood fed up with lack of help from city - The Gazette

“They don’t even look at what they could do ... If our neighborhood was
protected, it would open up possibilities.” - Rompot/Cedar Valley resident
Stephen Yanda

The Rompot/Cedar Valley neighborhood is on the SE side and is an affordable neighborhood for many. The Gazette and City of Cedar Rapids conducted a neighborhood meeting on June 24, 2009 a post-Flood gathering at the Rompot/Cedar Valley neighborhood. They invited neighbors to Cedar Valley Park, 2250 Blakely Blvd. SE, in an hour and one-half event and provided snacks.

“Everybody thinks we’re getting all this money for help, but we’re not."
What we want is the neighborhood to be the way it was before the flood" - Gary
Murray

The Gazette and the City of Cedar Rapids will conduct future flood gatherings in two other Flood impacted neighborhoods. The two other events are planned, also from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in:

• Time Check, at Ellis Park’s Duck Pond Pavilion, 916 Ellis Blvd. NW, on Thursday, July 9
• Czech Village, at Sokol Park, 16Th Avenue and A Street SW, on Thursday, July 23

Housing, Infrastructure and Business are all three key elements of Flood Recovery in Cedar Rapids.

Robin Tucker

Reflecting on the death and life of Michael Jackson, Civil Rights and acceptance ...

It's been a surreal week with the tragedy in Parkersburg to being very busy at work to the news of the King of Pop passing at age 50.

I attended a Civil Rights Conference on Fair Housing all day on Thursday, June 25, 2009 in Cedar Rapids. After the conference, I heard shortly after the conference had ended that Michael Jackson had died.

Michael Jackson was a music icon and a superstar during my high school and college years. His impact in the development and success of MTV was huge. From the Jackson 5 to Thriller, some wonderful memories. I remember listening to his music from the Off the Wall album during my first paid job doing color darkroom work.

Michael Jackson clearly had a positive impact on acceptance from fans and members of various cultures. His music crossed racial and cultural lines. I always remember him as a young talent from Gary, Indiana.

peace

My thoughts and prayers are with Ed Thomas and those who knew this fine man ...

I never knew coach Ed Thomas personally from Parkersburg, but all I can say it is a deep loss to our State and the better good to witness the recent news about his tragic murder. I'll let someone that knew him better explain this sad and tragic day.

"This is a tragic loss for everyone that knew Coach Thomas and our entire
state. He was a highly respected educator, coach, mentor and a strong leader in
the community, as well as the coaching community throughout Iowa. Ed loved
his family and his work, and was an outstanding, selfless person who has impacted
countless lives in a very positive way. Our entire staff and team extend
our deepest sympathies to the Thomas family and the community of
Parkersburg."- Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz

I have a client who is from Parkersburg. After the tragic tornado last year and now this tragic loss to the community now, it's certainly been a sad day from my prospective.

peace

Action Alert: Congress Working on a "Cap-and-Trade System - H.R. 2454

We received the following Action Alert today regarding Federal Legislation now in Congress ...

Action Alert
Climate Change Legislation (H.R. 2454)

Robin B Tucker, lawmakers in the House expect to vote Friday on landmark climate change legislation. If approved, the bill would move to the Senate for consideration. The measure aims to cap greenhouse-gas emissions at 17 percent of 2005 levels by 2020 and by about 80 percent by 2050, creating a market for companies to buy and sell the right to emit carbon dioxide and other gases (a “cap-and-trade” system). The measure would also create a new renewable electricity standard and establish new national building codes. (H.R.2454)

Supporters say the bill would create jobs, reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and reduce greenhouse gases – which some argue is the leading compound linked to global warming. Opponents are calling the bill an energy tax that could slow the economy. Many lawmakers representing farm states are also concerned that the measure would put a disproportionate burden on farmers.

Warren Buffett Slams Speaker Pelosi's Huge National Energy Tax - CNBC via YouTube.

In an interview today on CNBC, billionaire investor and prominent Obama
supporter and economic advisor Warren Buffett blasted Speaker Pelosi national
energy tax, calling it a "huge tax" and "fairly regressive" that will "harm an
awful lot of people."

Do you support H.R.2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act?

Contact your representative in Congress today regarding this very important issue.

Robin Tucker

Business Owners Call to Action for Council Meeting scheduled June 24, 2009 at 5:30 pm

The Small Business Recovery Group has issued the following Call To Action ...

CALL TO ACTION: Cedar Rapids City Council Meeting Tomorrow Night at 5:30 pm

We need business owners to come out in force at this week's City Council mtg. It is on Wednesday, June 24th at 5:30 PM in the AEGON USA Auditorium, 4333 Edgewood Rd. NE, West side of the main building.

THIS IS VITAL BECAUSE:

As many of you know, of the latest allocation of $517 million of CDBG funding that is coming to Iowa, only $25 million has been allocated for businesses statewide. And, in you can believe this, that is less than the $26 million allocated for administrative costs to hand out the money!!! This shows a lack of interest by the State and the City in saving jobs for our community.

The Chamber and the CR Small Business Recovery Group was told in a teleconference yesterday with the State that they cannot give us money when the City of Cedar Rapids doesn't request that businesses need money and 79% of the businesses are back. Of course, the City says this is not true and we have the classic "he said, she said" story. Our voice needs to be loud and clear this week as we only have until Friday to submit our views to the State via the City.

With all of that in mind, if we don't voice the fact that we need help, we won't get any! That is why we need you there early (5PM) and we need to fill the Auditorium and make it clear to the City that we need help. We also need as many of you as possible to contact City Council members urging them to amend their request of CDBG funding allocations to the State, shifting a more fair percentage of recovery dollars to the business community. We also need you to share your personal business story and demonstrate why we need business aid.

Please consider these types of information to relay for those of you willing to speak during the public comment portion of the mtg. at 5:30PM:

Business Overview (brief)

• Your loss in dollars
• Jobs before flood
• Have you reopened or not and when and in what capacity
• Jobs after flood
• What you need for survival

THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PROGRAMMING THAT COULD MEAN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS COMING TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY OR NOT. THE CITY HAS THE ABILITY TO REQUEST A SHIFT IN THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDING AND WE MUST PUT PRESSURE ON THEM TO DO SO. THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY MANAGER AND STAFF NEEDS TO REALIZE THAT WITHOUT AID TO BUSINESSES THEY WILL NOT HAVE A COMMUNITY, A TAX BASE OR A VITAL SMALL BUSINESS
COMMUNITY.

If, as a business owner, you could use some aid for your recovery, you need to be there Wednesday night, you need to change your schedule if you have a conflict, that is how important Wednesday night is. WITHOUT SHOWING A NEED, THERE WILL BE NO AID.

Please read the points listed below for more background information and please, please be there Wednesday night. It is up to us to save jobs for this community over the next two years!

YOUR individual story should include why one or more of the points below MUST be addressed.
I wanted to give a little recap of information regarding the latest allocation of $517 million of CDBG funding that is coming to the State of Iowa.

• Only $25 million has been allocated for businesses, statewide compare this to the administrative costs, which are allocated at $26 million
  

POINT #1 In the total $800 million in CDBG money that has come from the federal government, the business community has only been allocated 8.525% of the dollars on a statewide level. Yet the business community in Cedar Rapids has sustained 30% of overall damage in direct loss, and 44% loss when economic impact is added. In the very least, we should be advocating and receiving 30% of all funds coming into the community for aid.

• There is no program for funding businesses in a disaster, but that excuse isn't good enough...we need to find a way to fund them
  

POINT #2 This is not a business versus housing issue....it is a balance issue. We need to have balance in order for the community to rebuild. We cannot invest $175 million plus to housing and expect the business community to be able to wait or come up with its own funding

• LESS THAN 20% of the affected businesses had any kind of insurance, and none of the businesses received FEMA
• Without significant aid to the business community, we will be on track to lose over 300 businesses in the first two years
• This loss signifies 7000+ jobs....employees that reside in all of these new homes
• Thousands of dollars in retirement plans, medical and other benefits will also be lost as businesses close their doors
• There will be a significant gap in the tax base of the business community without these businesses
  

POINT #3 Businesses cannot wait....housing is important and should be funded but some portion of every dollar that comes to this community in aid should be dedicated towards rebuilding the business sector as well...even if it is only 10-15%.

POINT #4 8 Programs were provided to IDED for consideration. One was selected, which will help less than 250 of the 700 businesses impacted by the flood.

POINT #5 Yes, some businesses have opened, unfortunately, no one asked what open meant in that survey.

• We are employing fewer people
• Our debt service is huge, and the business community cannot remain viable with that debt service.
• We are now seeing businesses NOT affected by the flood in extreme financial difficulty due to outstanding balances owed by flood affected businesses for services performed.
  We need to stay open to keep our residents working. Or housing won't matter if 7000 less people are employed to live in them - many of these employees lived in flood affected homes.
• They are unlikely to survive in a new residence, with new debt, and without a job.
  

Thank you for your attention to this vital mission, if we don't fight for ourselves, we cannot blame anyone but ourselves when businesses begin to close their doors due to debt on top of debt.

See you Wednesday night!!

Gary Ficken (from the Small Business Recovery Group in Cedar Rapids)

The Review and Preview for the Week of June 22, 2009 from nwyc.com ...

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

REVIEW
Health Care Overhaul on Hold: The Senate Finance Committee has delayed its markup by several weeks of the health care overhaul bill largely because of cost. Members are working to make the cost of the legislation politically marketable.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) placed the cost of the preliminary draft at $1.6 trillion over the next ten years. Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) gathered with committee Democrats to discuss how to get that figure under $1 trillion. The CBO estimate released June 15 indicated that the bill would leave 30 million uninsured, down from the current 46 million uninsured.

Transportation Legislation: Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) presented a blueprint for a six-year, $500 billion measure designed to overhaul the Department of Transportation, speed up projects and tie federal funds to measurable benchmarks. The bill would provide $450 billion for surface transportation projects and $50 billion for high-speed rail. Rep. Oberstar said he plans to move forward with the measure despite a White House proposal to postpone a new highway bill for 18 months.

Intelligence Authorization: The fiscal 2010 intelligence authorization bill includes a requirement that a clear record be kept of congressional briefings. A CIA document released to Congress in May outlined earlier congressional briefings about harsh interrogation techniques. It prompted numerous Democrats to question its accuracy. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) insisted that, contrary to that document, she was not briefed in 2002 about the use of waterboarding. (H.R.2701)

Appropriation Bills 2010: House and Senate subcommittees are moving forward on crafting their fiscal 2010 bills despite the fact that financial industry overhaul legislation has not been drafted. The House panel is set to mark up its bill within the next few days. Lawmakers say they will write the bills according to the information they have available now. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Earmarks in Agriculture Bill: The House Agriculture appropriations bill that the House Appropriations Committee is marking up contains more than $219 million in congressional earmarks. They include:$3.7 million for the Animal Bioscience Facility$3.7 million for the Center for Grape Genetics$3.7 million for the Center of Excellence for Vaccine Research Click here for more information on this issue.

Foreign Operations Spending Bill: The House Appropriations State-Foreign Operations Subcommittee approved $48 billion for international affairs accounts, including expanded funding for global health programs. The panel approved the draft by voice vote. (H.R.2346)

Food Safety Bill: The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a food safety bill by voice vote. Several Republicans commended Democrats for moving the bill to the House floor through “regular order,” via the committee. GOP members also said the bill should serve as a model for crafting an overhaul of the health care system. (H.R.2749)

Small Business Grants: A pair of grant programs intended to help encourage innovative research by small high-tech businesses is making its way through the Senate. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship could reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research program and the Small Business Technology Transfer program through 2023.(S.1233) Last week, a House Small Business subcommittee approved a similar bill that would reauthorize both programs through 2011. (H.R.2767)

PREVIEW
The House and Senate will continue work on appropriations bills this week, with action expected from both chambers on the Homeland Security spending bill. The House version of this bill includes a provision for a two-year reauthorization for the E-verify program, which allows the government to check workers’ legal status. The Senate version includes a three-year reauthorization of this program. The Senate will try to complete work on a bill (S.1023) that would promote the United States as a tourist destination.

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

Robin Tucker

Health Reform: Recent News and the 2008 NAR Health Insurance Coverage Survey ...

The June 22, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features an article titled, Is Government Health Care Constitutional? For more on health care reform, read Florida’s Health Insurance Reform: Fewer Mandates = More Affordable Coverage.

It's a little older, since the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Survey was conducted in March 2008. The Realtor® Action Center highlighted the following survey link Health Reform: 2008 NAR Health Coverage Insurance Survey on Facebook on June 22, 2009.

Views About the Health Care System

• Approximately half (51%) of REALTORS® responding to the survey believe that the current health care system is not meeting their needs or the needs of their family.
• More than 8 in 10 REALTORS® (82%) believe that the health care system is not meeting the needs of most Americans.
• 91% of REALTORS® believe that the U.S. health care systems should be reformed.

Insurance Cost and Coverage

• One in four REALTORS® reported that they had no health insurance coverage.
  Among REALTORS® with insurance coverage, 43% purchased an individual market private plan while 27% were covered under a spouse’s or partner’s insurance plan.
• Among REALTORS® without coverage, 73% reported premium cost as the reason for the lack of coverage; only 15% cited a pre–existing condition as the reason for the costly premium.
• 4% of REALTORS® report being denied Insurance coverage due to pre–existing conditions.
• 63% of REALTORS® with coverage paid the entire premium with an additional 28% sharing the cost of the premium with an employer or other coverage source.
• Coverage most often included hospitalization (96%) and major medical (96%) followed by prescription drug coverage (81%).
• 66% of REALTORS® reported that the firm with which they were affiliated did not offer any type of health insurance coverage. (note)

(note) The majority of Realtors® are independent contractors, so many times they have to seek individual policies or depend on their spouses group insurance policies for coverage.

The Health Care discussion is certainly important for our nation to discuss. You may find the following links helpful to the information and discussion on Health Care Reform in the United States.

Senate's Health-Care Draft Calls for Most to Buy Insurance, Nixes Obama's 'Public Option - The Washington Post

Public Interest Institutes's Brief: A Healthcare Prescription for Iowa

Health Care Around the World: Switzerland - The Economist

Top Countries for Biotechnology Innovation - The Economist

Robin Tucker

The name of George Hollins, the University of Iowa’s business manager is being reported as our City's top candidate for Flood Czar ...

Listening to WMT-AM on the way out to an appointment tonight the name of George Hollins, the University of Iowa’s business manager was mentioned during the Bob Bruce Radio Experience.

Rick Smith of The Gazette reported in his blog on June 22, 2009 a post titled Fast change in City Council agenda can’t conceal the thought that University of Iowa business manager ranks as front-runner for City Hall flood-recovery post.

Today at Downtown Rotary... the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids, the Cedar Rapids Small Business Flood Recovery Group spoke about the risks associated with the 650 small businesses in Cedar Rapids impacted about the Flood. Gary Ficken was the speaker for the group, after Council member Brian Fagan introduced and Chamber CEO Shannon Meyer made some opening comments.



The Cedar Rapids Small Business Recovery Group: Flood Video view video


In addition to Gary Ficken's comments at Downtown Rotary, the Small Business Recovery Group aired the Kurt Warner Small Business Flood Recovery Video. We would encourage you to take the time and watch this very professional video on the challenges facing the small business community in Cedar Rapids, post-Flood of 2008.

Robin Tucker

Construction is Coming on I-380 in Cedar Rapids ...

The Gazette article dated June 22, 2009 I-380 construction up to Center Point interchange starts tonight.

Week days between 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

I-380 in Cedar Rapids

Restricted to one lane in both directions

UPDATE on heat this afternoon...

Pavement buckling on I-380 north, Highway 30 - The Gazette

High heat has buckled the pavement on two local highways today.Interstate
380 northbound near the Boyson Street exit and Highway 30 at 16th Avenue SW have
buckled pavement, according to the Iowa State Patrol.Traffic has been reduced to
one lane on northbound I-380, reports from the scene indicate. - The
Gazette

Robin Tucker

What's on at Downtown Rotary for June 22, 2009?

Robin Tucker is scheduled to attend his Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting today. Globally, Rotary International is hosting the 100Th International Convention in Birmingham, England this week.

June 22, 2009

Noon

Crowne Plaza Hotel

Today's Speakers

Doug Schumacher & Gary Ficken

Small Business Recover Group

Small Business Flood Recovery from the Flood of 2008

Robin Tucker

Character Counts: Happy Father's Day ...

We recently had an opportunity to spend time with my father here at our home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. My parents were back in Cedar Rapids recently to celebrate my mother's 80Th birthday. My father moved to the area, when he was 9 months old. I was born and raised here in Cedar Rapids. I left the state to go to college. In my junior year, I met my wife at Creighton University. We met twenty-five years ago in August. We returned to my hometown in 1988. Our three children are fourth generation residents of the State of Iowa.

Character Counts in Iowa

• Trustworthiness


• Respect


• Responsibility


• Fairness


• Caring


• Citizenship

CHARACTER COUNTS! In Iowa is a project of the Institute for Character Development. The organization's Vision is that "Every Iowan will embrace and practice good character by demonstrating trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship."

I am new to social networking for the most part. On Twitter, one of the friends I enjoy following is Character Counts. I am proud to say that my father carried the above set of values. Happy Father's Day Dad and thank you for your character. Further, may this post go out as a Happy Father's Day to all.

Have a great day! One final note on Character Counts... The 4-Way Test of the things we think, say or do.

peace

Robin Tucker

How should our City Enhance our Neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids?

Rick Smith wrote a June 19, 2009 article in The Gazette titled Mound View neighborhood fights decline of properties. There are many challenges that face our core neighborhoods. We have other challenges in many of the other residential neighborhoods in the City of Cedar Rapids. Throughout the City, many taxpayers would say the condition of our streets is our neighborhoods biggest concern. Sadly, for some, it is public safety.

Two events happened around the end of World War II in Cedar Rapids ...

1. After WWII, many properties in what we now call our core neighborhoods of Cedar Rapids were converted from single-family to multi-family. This was brought about due to the shortage in housing in our community after WWII.


2. In addition, after WWII, from 1945 to 1961 or so, the City of Cedar Rapids didn't require sidewalks in new housing subdivisions. Look at many of the private properties around Erskine, Wright or other Cedar Rapids Community Schools build during that era... there are no sidewalks.

There is always a need for balance in our community. The balance between personal property rights and the needs for our community is important. Zoning and use laws have been established for that very reason. We went through a period, after WWII where laws were reduced to establish neighborhoods and respond to the challenges in the housing sector in our community at the time.

Short term the reduction in rules aided our community. Today, high-density housing in the core neighborhoods and the lack of sidewalks in other neighborhoods have come with a price. Now, our City would like to revert back to previous standards that were waived for a long period of time. How do you balance it all, without taking away rights or adding unfairly to the financial burdens of the present day property owners? Private property owners have property rights.

For more information on property rights, visit the Iowa Property Owners Alliance. This group's mission is to ...

“Protect the property rights of private property owners in Iowa and to serve
as a resource for those owners to more fully enjoy the privileges of property
ownership.” - Iowa Property Owners Alliance

One of the greatest strengths over the years in our community has been citizen participation on citizen advisory boards and commissions. However, despite the language in our Local Home Rule Charter, our new Council-Manager government has not utilized the tradition of citizen advisory boards and commissions. A prime example was in the establishment of Enhance Our Neighborhoods, as Council member Brian Fagan has participated in spearheading. How much policy is being placed in the hands of city staff on this very important issue?

Further, the community has utilized a Carver model on governance extremely early under the new form of government, due to our City Manager. Has the City of Cedar Rapids truly established "the board's pre-stated standards of prudence and ethics" that is required under The Policy Governance® Model? In how the Ethics ordinance and the Cedar Rapids Board of Ethics were established for the City of Cedar Rapids, we certainly have our doubts.

Of course, Enhance Our Neighborhoods is more about the core neighborhoods and the Downtown redevelopment planning process, than about Enhancing Our Neighborhoods throughout the City of Cedar Rapids. It is a highly political process under Carver and it does not directly benefit or allow all in the participation process. It aligns city staff too closely in the development of public policy. City staff should implement and enforce city policy. Why don't citizens play a greater role in the policy development discussions for the City Council. We see a greater role with our City Manager, some city staff on occassion and with paid consultants.

What about the infrastructure demands throughout our community of roughly 126,000 people?As Rick Smith's article points out: "Fagan said enhancing the city’s old, core neighborhoods is going to happen."

“It’s house by house, block by block, with discipline and commitment to
the vision of what we want in our neighborhoods,” - Brian Fagan

Our concern is what about the neighborhood needs throughout the entire community? We are concerned about public safety, public works, streets, parks, finances and overall quality of life for all in the City of Cedar Rapids. However, are we representing the entire community in the process?

It would be great to find a way to create an incentive for the market to revert our non-conforming multi-family structures back to single-family or duplexes. The Board of Adjustment appropriately uses a policy to provide for "recapturing" since the property (in the above picture in the Mound View neighborhood) was vacate for 18 months. The city vacancy law on non-conforming properties is 12 months. Further, we shouldn't forget how we got to non-conforming multi-family properties in our core neighborhoods.

We need to enhance all our neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids. Much of that can come from enhancing our infrastructure throughout our community, including better streets. It should be about character the person, not whether the property is owner-occupied or rental. It should be about condition of housing and conforming with zoning and use. There are exceptions at times. We saw that with sidewalks and converting houses away from single-family, when housing was scarce after WWII. But, like with Eminent Domain, exceptions often should be the last resort. Hopefully, we will see our community maintain an appropriate level of balance again soon.

The vision for Cedar Rapids should reflect our community, including our culture. Culture plays a very important role in local government. It indeed played a role in establishing our Local Home Rule Charter. It should be reflected in our City Council and our public policy process.

Robin Tucker

Small Business Recovery Group reports ABC News to name Kurt Warner "Person of the Week" at 5:30 pm tonight ...

Gary Ficken from the Small Business Recovery Group sent an e-mail today updating the Warner Flood video and an update on the $517 million the State of Iowa received in HUD money.

Good morning all,
I just wanted to get some information out to
you today on the following three topics:
1. ABC News in New York
contacted the CR Small Business Recovery Group and asked us to 'Next Day Air'
them our Flood Video with Kurt Warner. We are told that tonight's 5:30 pm
ABC National News broadcast will feature Kurt Warner as the "Person of the
Week" and wanted to have our Flood Video available as a resource to possibly put
bits and pieces of it on tonight's newscast at 5:30 pm. So please watch and
let's hope they talk about small business recovery.

2. The
State of Iowa has posted their distribution plans for the $517M of HUD money
(www.iowalifechanging.com/community/default.aspx,
then look under Draft Plans and it is the top listing, Amendment #4). I am
sorry to report the the small business community was only given a tiny portion
($25M) which is less funding than the money allotted to administrative costs of
the funding ($26M). So, I guess administrative costs are deemed more
important than saving jobs. It is a sad day for business recovery in Cedar
Rapids. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS TO:
community@iowalifechanging.com. And of
course, feel free to send your thoughts to the Governor, your legislators, and
the City Manager. Remember to have your message focus on the fact that
saving jobs in Cedar Rapids needs to be given a priority and the fact that we
are in line to receive less funding than admin costs is a slap in the face
to those who provide jobs and benefits for our employees and this
community.

3. Lastly, we have been contacted about a
leasing opportunity: 400 sq. feet of office/storage space ready to
sublet. It's near K-Mart East. If this is of interest to you, please
contact Jim
Ketchum, President of Cornerstone Press at 378-4451 - Gary Ficken

The impact on Small Businesses in Cedar Rapids brought about by the Flood of 2008 is huge. The economic downturn only places greater pressure on many of those businesses. As Gary Ficken commented in an article back in January 2009 in the Business Edge Magazine titled Flood Losses:

“We know from Grand Forks (S.D.) that 55 percent of small businesses went
under after three years. You can rush to get back into business, but with the
new debt load, you can’t continue to pay your bills. The ones that have an
advantage are those that didn’t have much debt at the time of the flood.” - Gary Ficken

The next two years will be very important for the small business community in the City of Cedar Rapids. Again, the allocation of administrative costs for Flood Recovery is higher than the funding to help the small business community.

*** ***

Keith Smith of Landlords of Linn County sent an e-mail today on the $517 million of HUD money, as well.

"The percentage of rental property damaged in the Cedar
Rapids flood event of last year is over 50% of all damaged residential
property."

"Responsible landlords understand that the recovery of flood
affected homeowners, small business owners, landlords and local governmental
bodies are all equally necessary to the recovery of Cedar Rapids and the State
of Iowa. The survival of Cedar Rapids' neighborhoods is impossible without
the survival of pre-flood owner occupied homes AND rental properties." -
Keith Smith

Like the Small Business Recovery Group, the Landlord and rental markets are seeking greater assistance too.

"The State of Iowa has published the State Plan for the disbursement of the
$517M of HUD money recently allocated to the state. In order to support
the efforts to propose and develop programs to assist landlords and small
business, I ask that you send with the content below or similar to community@iowalifechanging.com.
Public comments on the action plan are taken at this email address." - Keith Smith

The challenges facing our local small business and rental communities are certainly significant. The State of Iowa is seeking public comment from all in the community.

Robin Tucker

Cedar Rapids observes Juneteenth with events on Friday and Saturday ...

2009 Theme:

Iowa Families: Guardians of Freedom, Liberty & Citizenship

From Iowa's official Juneteenth web site:

Nationally, there are 29 states (and the District of Columbia) that have
made Juneteenth an official holiday or observance. There is a national campaign
to make Juneteenth official in all 50 states.
Juneteenth is authentic
American history and the Iowa Juneteenth Observance is authentic Iowa history!
Appreciate your history and participate in Juneteenth activities across
Iowa! - Iowa Juneteenth site

In Cedar Rapids, Juneteenth events are planned June 19 and 20, 2009 for this year's observance. On June 19, 2009, a dinner and dance is scheduled at the Celebration Hall African American Museum of Iowa. On June 20, 2009, a free Celebration Day event is scheduled at Viola Gibson Park at 12Th Ave. and 10Th St. SE from 9:00 am-5:00 pm.

peace

June 18 to July 4, 2009: The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival begins ...

• You can join the tradition of getting a button in Cedar Rapids
• The schedule of events for the 2009 Freedom Festival
• Check out the latest news on the Freedom Festival
• The 26Th annual Freedom Festival ... look at the event

As a native of Cedar Rapids, I didn't grow up with the Freedom Festival. However, it has been a regular event for us, since Carole and I moved to Cedar Rapids in 1988. For our kids, each summer and the approaching Fourth of July has witnessed another Freedom Festival beginning in our community. Today, marks the beginning of this year's event.

Robin Tucker

What's in store in Iran after the Election on June 12?

We all witness on TV, in the newspaper, on the Internet or by looking down the road at the University of Iowa concerns over the outcome and the results of the Iranian election held on June 12, 2009. Other major policy issues are coming the pike as we learn about Iran.

As a subscriber to The Economist, we received the following e-letter from the Editor in Chief.

Dear Reader,

Iran commands the world's attention this week, and
ours. The sight of maybe a million people marching in Tehran to protest against
vote-rigging is a stirring one; but what happens now will be determined as much
by what is going on in the backrooms of the regime as by developments on the
streets. This is the first time that the clerics have been divided about how to
deal with discontent, and their split means the protesters could win real
concessions.
Here are some other pieces from this week's issue you might
also be interested in. You can click straight through to each one and read it
online at Economist.com using the links below.

John Micklethwait
Editor in Chief

We haven't seen news like this out of Iran, since 1979. Of course, we haven't seen unemployment rates in the United States, since this period either, during the last days of the Carter Administration and beginning days of the Reagan Administration.

On the home front, we read of the "Historical Overhaul of Finance Rules" on the front page of the Wall Street Journal for June 18, 2009. There are "New Plans For Oversight" that will impact "consumers, shareholders, hedge funds, home buyers, lenders, derivatives" and more.

By the way, Mr. Obama's health care plan in Congress is targeted for completion ahead of the Congressional summer recess. On all fronts, hopefully, there will be proper discussion, hearings and review, so we can make sure public policy will be successful for all, not just a few.

We had the pleasure to hear back from an attendee from Iowa's Second District who attended the AMA Convention this week. Mr. Obama addressed the AMA attendees on June 15, 2009. The feedback by the medical community was highlighted by the New York Times article titled Doctors’ Group Opposes Public Insurance Plan.

We have seen plenty of public and corporate welfare over the past six to ten months in Washington DC, here's just another example. Big government, big business and the welfare state seem to be ahead on far too many issues. Look at the handouts to our major banks, automobile companies and non-profit communities.

Look at the State of Iowa's cash situation at the present time. Small business, limited government and liberty appear to be on course to disaster at times, with direction our Federal, State and Local governments are proposing in spending and policy changes. Our economy and jobs are far more tied to small business, taxpayer, consumer behavior and our local neighborhoods.

Robin Tucker

Time Magazine article on the one year anniversary of the Flood ...

You may be interested in the article published by Time Magazine dated June 17, 2009 on the one year anniversary of the Flood of 2008 titled A Year After the Flood, Cedar Rapids Struggles. Betsy Rubner wrote the article that was published by Time Magazine as well as an The Gazette on June 17, 2009.

The above picture was captioned in Time Magazine as "Flooded businesses and homes are seen from the air in Iowa City, Iowa."

Robin Tucker

Eminent Domain concerns in Iowa and Pennsylvania ...

The subject of Eminent Domain and Limited Government brings up the following article titled The Jury is in on Eminent Domain and Economic Growth. What is the right balance in the State of Iowa and throughout our nation?

Iowa House Minority Leader Kraig Paulsen mentioned on Facebook June 16, 2009 that "Reps. Kaufmann, Tymeson and Sweeney standing up for private property rights." Check out Charlotte Eby's June 15, 2009 story on rural Iowa landowners concerns over losing their property in Northwest Clarke County to a local commission. http://coveringiowapolitics.com/?p=2097

Other coverage on the Iowa eminent domain issue taken from google news search ...

Iowa lake project revived as drinking water source - Chicago Tribune
But their plans met stiff resistance among property owners and led the Legislature to bar local governments from using their powers of eminent domain for ...
Osceola lake plan sparks dispute on Iowa's eminent domain law - DesMoinesRegister.com

Rural landowners worried their land might be condemned for lake ... - Mason City Globe Gazette
Proposed Clarke County reservoir sparks more debate - Radio Iowa
Clarke County Homeowners Fight Eminent Domain - WHO-TV ‎
But these homeowners say the state's eminent domain law should stop this. Doug Robins, a homeowner, says, "Acquire our land, condemn our land, ...

Eminent Domain is being tossed around regarding the United Flight 93 crash site and the planned Flight 93 National Memorial. Though, an article on June 15, 2009 indicates that it may be avoided now.

Good News: No Eminent Domain for Flight 93 Memorial - Cato @ Liberty
Yesterday, the US government announced that it wouldn't resort to eminent domain to seize land in Somerset, Pa for the proposed Flight 93 memorial.

Deadline Today For Flight 93 Memorial Land Sales -KDKA
AP Today marks the deadline for the government to get the land needed for the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville without using eminent domain.

Pennsylvania landowners have one week to sell property for 9/11 ... - Los Angeles Times
The Interior Department says that if six holdout families don't agree to deal, it will to use eminent domain to take the land where United Flight 93 crashed ...

Negotiations for Flight 93 memorial at critical juncture -Enterprise-Record
11, 2001, may be taken by eminent domain if deals can't be struck with owners by June 12. Current plans for the Flight 93 memorial include buying 2200 acres ...

A look back at the issue in the State of Iowa in an article titled Does Iowa Need Stricter Eminent Domain Laws?

Do we have the right balance in the State of Iowa on Eminent Domain? It appears that public policy issue may be a raising some concerns again.

Robin Tucker

A Reveiw and Preview of Congress for the week of June 15, 2009 from NWYC.com ...

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

REVIEW

Health Care Overhaul Plan: The Senate Finance Committee’s version of health care legislation will include a public plan and is likely to call for a system of government-organized insurance “co-operatives” across the country, according to Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT).Lawmakers are also considering how to regulate Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). The measure has not yet been drafted, but a preliminary study by the Joint Committee on Taxation shows that taxing FSAs and HSAs would result in $68.6 billion for the federal government over 10 years.Tobacco Regulation Bill: The Senate has passed sweeping legislation to authorize the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate tobacco products. The measure would allow the FDA to regulate nicotine levels, bar flavor additives in tobacco products and require tough new warning labels on cigarette packages and advertising. The House is set to clear the bill and send it to the President’s desk for a signature. (H.R.1256)

Military Pay Raise: The Military Personnel Subcommittee approved a pay raise for military members that would exceed President Obama’s request for a 2.9 percent pay raise. The committee opted for a 3.4 percent pay raise. The measure would also authorize sufficient funding to increase the Army’s active duty strength to as many as 577,400 soldiers in fiscal 2010. The House is expected to consider the measure in the coming days.War Supplemental: Both chambers are continuing work on the conference report on the fiscal 2009 supplemental war spending bill. The measure would fund operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for the rest of the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. Many Republicans have threatened to vote against the legislation because of a provision that would give $5 billion to the International Monetary Fund.After a telephone call from President Obama, conferees dropped a portion of the bill that would have prohibited release of photographs depicting abuse of U.S. detainees. The President assured lawmakers that he would take action to see that the photographs were not released in the near future. Appropriators estimated the measure would total $106 billion. (H.R.2346)

Military Aid to Pakistan: The House passed a bill that would provide military aid to Pakistan if the President determines Pakistan is cooperating in dismantling nuclear supply networks and fighting terrorist groups. It prohibits military assistance if the President determines that Pakistan is not taking such actions. It goes next to the Senate. (H.R.1886)

Voting By Mail: Legislation that would allow all eligible Americans to vote by mail in presidential and congressional elections was approved by a House committee. The measure would prohibit states from imposing special conditions or requirements on eligibility to vote by mail, except in regard to deadlines for requesting and returning the ballot. Those for the measure feel that mailing in ballots is the easiest way to vote. Those against it feel that an increase in voting by mail would lead to an increase in voter fraud. (H.R.1604)

Peace Corps Expansion: The House passed a State Department and Foreign Operations bill that would authorize the hiring of 1,500 new Foreign Service officers and 700 additional staff members at the U.S. Agency for International Development. It would also significantly expand the number of Peace Corps volunteers from the current figure of about 8,000. (H.R.2410)

High-Tech Businesses: A House Contracting and Technology Subcommittee approved four bills that would reauthorize and expand programs to help small, high-tech businesses that do innovative research. It would provide $27.5 million annually for various programs. (H.R.2767) (H.R.2747) (H.R.2769) (H.R.2772)

PREVIEW

The Senate will take up legislation (S.1023) to create a nonprofit corporation that would promote tourism to the U.S. To help pay for the nonprofit corporation, the legislation would impose a $10 fee on foreign travelers visiting the United States. The fee would match private industry contributions by up to $100 million a year. The House will take up a Homeland Security spending bill and a Commerce-Justice-Science bill.

Click here to view this week's R&P Report as a PDF from NWYC.com

Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting for June 15, 2009 ...

Robin Tucker is attending his Rotary Club meeting at Noon today:

MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2009
CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL
"PASSING THE GAVEL"
PRESENTATION OF THE CLUB'S APPRECIATION AWARDS & THE SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Robin Tucker

Happy Flag Day everyone... June 14, 2009

June 14, 2009

Robin Tucker

Today is the one year anniversary of the crest of the Great Flood of 2008 that hit Cedar Rapids ...

One year ago in Cedar Rapids, Iowa ...

The schedule of events in Cedar Rapids for the anniversary of the Flood of 2008.

Most of the coverage is clearly local. Despite the large economic impact for the community, the national media has moved onto other stories for the most part. Progress is occurring, but clearly there is plenty of work ahead for our community. Here's a look at some of the news during this anniversary weekend ...

Cedar Rapids Commemorates Anniversary of Devastating Iowa Flood
PR Newswire (press release) - ‎14 hours ago‎
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- At 10 am on Saturday church bells will mark the one-year anniversary of one of the largest disasters in US ...

Red tape continues to hamper flood recovery, frustrate residents Iowa Independent

Rebuild Iowa Office: Communities mark one-year disaster dates IowaPolitics.com (press release)

Flood time capsule sealed Gazette Online

KTVO - Chicago Tribune
all 278 news articles »

Schedule of flood anniversary events
Gazette Online - ‎6 hours ago‎
9 am to noon, Start at Greene Square Park, Third Avenue and Fifth Street SE, Cedar Rapids. Cedar Rapids Flood of 2008 Commemoration Ceremony - Ceremony ...
10K to raise flood funds Iowa City Press Citizen
all 19 news articles »

Cedar Rapids marks anniversary of record flood
Radio Iowa - ‎2 hours ago‎
by Claire Kellett, Beth Malicki, KCRG, Cedar Rapids One year ago today, the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids hit a record crest of just over 31 feet - 19 feet ...

WHO-TV
Secretary Vilsack Visits Iowa to Commemorate 1st Anniversary of ...
USDA.gov (press release) - ‎Jun 10, 2009‎
At an event in Cedar Rapids, Vilsack, joined Housing and Urban Development Secretary Donovan who was there to announce $3.7 Billion in disaster assistance ...
John Gaines/The Hawk Eye Burlington Hawk Eye
all 37 news articles »

Radio Iowa
How one year could pass so slowly, so quickly
Gazette Online - ‎Jun 6, 2009‎
A powerful narrative by reporter Adam Belz that describes what living through Cedar Rapids' flood was like. How flood-affected small business owners in ...

Warner warns of CR small business failures: Produced by downtown ... Trading Markets (press release)

Harkin in Cedar Rapids Saturday to talk flood protection Gazette Online
all 34 news articles »

BEST BEST: Floodstock, Crest Fest mark flood anniversary
Gazette Online - ‎Jun 11, 2009‎
Proceeds will go to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation for flood relief. Last year's event raised an astounding $100000 in three days, ...

Flood of 2009 Where are we today?
Cedar Valley Daily Times - ‎Jun 11, 2009‎
VINTON — Friday marks the one-year anniversary of the crest of the Cedar River in Vinton. Where are the City of Vinton and surrounding areas in terms of ...

Camp Aims to Calm Children's Lingering Flood Fears
KCRG - ‎Jun 3, 2009‎
By Claire Kellett CEDAR RAPIDS - With the first anniversary of the flood right around the corner, a camp that's new to the area is reaching out to children ...

Iowa Independent
Army Corps contemplates levees to protect Cedar Rapids
Radio Iowa - ‎May 31, 2009‎
By O.Kay Henderson As the one year anniversary of the flood in Cedar Rapids approaches, the US Army Corps of Engineers is beginning a study that will ...

Hope blooms in flooded Iowa town Iowa Independent

Summer camp to help heal children after flood Gazette Online

Some Flood Victims Protesting Weekend Events
KCRG - ‎Jun 9, 2009‎
And for months now, organizers in Cedar Rapids have worked on ways to draw attention to the anniversary. But, one group of neighbors say what the organizers ...

Robin Tucker