Received the following e-mail from National Write Your Congressmen. We think it
is wrong for our Government to be spending taxpayer money on this purpose.
For Immediate Release
July 29, 2009
Contact: Ron Corbett
Phone: 319.573.5050
(Cedar Rapids) Mayoral candidate Ron Corbett today announced his plan to fight the growing unemployment in the Cedar Rapids community.
"Not that long ago, we led the state in job growth. Today, Cedar Rapids has the highest unemployment rate in the state among urban communities," said Corbett. "We have to end the culture of delay and change the way we think about job growth."
Corbett's five point plan includes a repeal of the current Cedar Rapids economic development initiative, which Corbett says has led to to a rejection of local startups needing a helping hand after the flood.
"The city's economic development plan was written pre-flood and pre-recession. It may have made sense then, but now it represents a bias against small business startups. We need a new plan that allows each business plan to be measured on its long term merits and not on its short term prospects," said Corbett.
Corbett's plan calls for the creation of a Small Business Council that would meet with the new mayor on a weekly basis, as well as a resolution passed by the City Council to 'buy local'.
Beyond that, Corbett also indicates he would lead recruitment tours selling the benefit of creating jobs in Cedar Rapids to companies looking to expand or relocate.
"Just as a successful business must sell its products and services, a mayor must sell its community to those who are not familiar with it. I would view that as an important job of the next mayor," said Corbett.
Corbett, who previously served as President of the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce and now serves as Vice President of CRST, is uniquely suited to lead a battle against unemployment. In addition, Corbett has extensive experience with state government, due to the 13 years he served as a state legislator, including five years as Speaker of the Iowa House.
To see full details and an explanation of Corbett's plan, refer to "The Corbett 5 Point Game Plan for Job Growth" document below, or go to http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102654468786&s=212&e=001EN9Bd0eK4xumRe-I9G7Pmoom4Pu3a1enA7kATKv1kUlyY19Rbh0P4TK60vBHJw1B7n4ugLO3T6YZU0IgnUJN_I3NyuFADp0Bsg_8xtX6NLu0uur0fjz4TA== and view the video titled "Jobs for Cedar Rapids" on Corbett TV.
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The Corbett 5 Point Game Plan for Job Growth
1-Buy Local Resolution
Our City Council should pass a resolution urging private and public organizations to buy local, buy Iowa products and support the workers and their employers trying to get back on their feet after the devastating floods. While it may seem symbolic to some, the city needs to provide leadership in the area of as many dollars to stay in Cedar Rapids at this time as possible.
2-Repeal the Five Point 'Anti-Development' Ordinance
In May 2008, the city council put in place a five point economic development plan. Unfortunately, it has become an 'anti-development' plan since the flood. This plan, put in place before the flood, ties the hands of city leaders who may want to help small businesses. The plan has a bias toward larger, more established companies, rather than local startup companies who may be the next big company in town. Once this is repealed, use the available funds to evaluate each proposal on its long term merits instead its immediate benefits.
3-New Business Recruitment Tour
As Mayor, I will lead recruitment tours with business and labor leaders to persuade job creators and corporations to locate new jobs in our community. We must do a better job of selling the benefits of our community and that requires local leaders willing to put in the miles traveling for our community.
4-Small Business Council
No elected official has all the answers. As mayor, I will meet every week with local small businesses in an open forum to learn how the city can help local businesses. Together, we will develop a strategy to help local job creators succeed in our community.
5-Change in Attitude Toward Business
We need to support and celebrate risk takers who start businesses. When we say Cedar Rapids is 'open for business' it needs to be more than just a slogan. More than just changes in taxation or laws, a change to an attitude that embraces all job creators, from the very small to the very large, will make a difference. All city employees and elected officials need to actively encourage local employers in their efforts to create jobs and succeed. A positive mayor and city council can create an infectious attitude in favor of job creation.
Paid for by Corbett for Mayor
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We have had the opportunity to know Ron Corbett dating back when he represented us in the State House. I enjoyed a visit with him after this week's Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting I asked him some questions about his candidacy and some of our concerns about the City of Cedar Rapids. He mentioned he was going to have an announcement this week. It looks like this is it.
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.
The President discusses a key factor that has been considered in the
development of the health insurance reform proposals that are being
considered: the impact of reform on small business.
The White House Council of Economic Advisers released a major
report on the subject in conjunction with this address -- read the
report as a web page, in pdf form, or through Slideshare.
During the address, the President asks that small business owners and
employees give us their comments and questions on the report. What are your
experiences with health care as somebody involved in small business, and what
are your thoughts and questions on the new CEA report in light of those
experiences?Give us your response here through
WhiteHouse.gov, or if you are a member of the social network
LinkedIn, go take part in the discussion CEA Chair Christina Romer initiated
there. Romer will be answering some of most penetrating
responses in a live video discussion on Wednesday at 3:00 PM EDT.
"The Cedar Rapids Downtown District, which hung many of the ground-floor
window coverings, estimates that 60 percent of the ground-floor spaces in
downtown Cedar Rapids have been reoccupied since the flood. About 82
percent of the downtown businesses." - The Gazette
"Many vacant civic and government buildings, from the public library to City
Hall, add to the solemn street-level view." - The Gazette
“It bothers me to hear them say most of the businesses are back, when
clearly they’re not.” - Dave Dennis , a longtime employee of United
Fire & Casualty
"Olson ticks off a long list of buildings that have been fully renovated —
the U.S. Bank building, the Principal building, the Armstrong Centre, the United
Fire & Casualty building, the Wells Fargo Bank buildings and the American
building." - The Gazette
It appears that the U.S. Senate is moving to put things on hold until after the August recess. Hopefully, we will see health care reform down the road, but as the Mayo Clinic Health Policy Center suggests. It is important to maintain a market driven system to achieve value, choice, reform and provide health insurance for all. There are countries in Europe that have achieved this as well.
Recent news on Health Care Reform:
"No one wants to find themselves in this position. But there comes a
time when you have to step up and say it's time to slow down and get it right."
- Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR)
Reform Stance Puts Spotlight on Blue Dog Democrats -Washington Post
Mike Ross (D-Ark.) vowed last week to block health-care reform unless Democrats make major changes to the legislation, the lawmaker's phone lines have been ...
Fast track for health care reform is derailed - SmartBrief
Blue Dogs stall health care - Jackson Clarion Ledger
Rahm hits the Hill - msnbc.com
An Update on Health Care Bills in Congress
The House and Senate are currently considering health care overhaul measures. Parts of the legislation are being re-written and revised on a daily basis, but below are the general objectives of the two bills. Currently, we are not in favor of either measure, here is a link on the provisions in each bill. Click here to view this document as a PDF.
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.
Democrats said their legislation would cover 97 percent of Americans, by expanding private insurance coverage through employers and through a new government-organized marketplace.
Republicans have said the Democrat’s bill as a “government takeover” of health care that would result in most people ending up in the government-run plan.
Should Congress pass H.R.3200?
Click here to voice your opinion on this bill!
Voice your opinion now!
If the above link to the ballot does not work, try pressing the 'Back' button on your browser, or copy and paste the following text in your address bar:
Health Care Act of 2009: http://www.spesend.net/SpeClicks.aspx?X=2R0QE581HQVVW5JO01MCWV
National Write Your Congressman’s Mission
To encourage responsible Americans
to use their influence in government to preserve the freedoms set forth by our
Founding Fathers.
REVIEW
Health Care Bill: House Democrats did not unveil their health care bill as planned this week because of opposition by 40 members of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog caucus. The bill is expected to include a surtax on wealthy Americans — starting at $250,000 in income — to fund a portion of its cost. The rate for the surtax would be graduated with people earning $500,000 or more paying a higher rate.
Taxing Health Care Benefits: A proposal to tax employer-sponsored health care is losing momentum in the Senate Finance Committee. Senate Democratic leaders have warned Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) that the proposal is not politically popular, even though many economists support it.
Appropriators Fight to Save Auto Dealerships: The House Appropriations Committee added language to its fiscal 2010 financial services spending bill in an attempt to save those dealerships that the government-restructured automakers want to close in order to ensure that some are able to survive in a shrunken car market. (H.R.2743)
Climate Change Legislation: Although many in Congress say climate change legislation is an energy tax that would cost families thousands of dollars a year, budget woes in dozens of states are increasing chances that the Senate will pass the bill in September. The White House has spoken out in favor of emissions allowances that would be issued as part of a “cap and trade” system. Many senators are hoping this will provide an economic lure for undecided senators to support the climate change bill that the House passed last month. (H.R.2454)
CIA Briefings: As the fiscal 2010 Intelligence Authorization bill is brought to the House floor, Democrats and Republicans are doing battle over whether CIA briefings intentionally misled Congress last year concerning harsh interrogation methods of suspected terrorists. The White House has threatened to veto the pending legislation if it includes a provision that would eliminate the executive branch’s right to decide when to brief the full Intelligence panels, rather than just the top committee and congressional leaders, on the most sensitive intelligence activities. (H.R.2701)
Small Business Research Act: The House passed a bill by a vote of 386 - 41 that states a business having more than 500 employees shall not qualify as a small business and is not eligible for small business loans. The bill would also extend funding for research and development topics, nanotechnology, and other projects for small businesses. (H.R.2965)
Gun Rights: The House Financial Services Committee adopted an amendment to allow guns in public housing projects. Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) offered the proposal that would bar any housing authority from restricting legal ownership of guns. It was adopted by a vote of 38 - 31. The committee is continuing its markup of a housing bill the panel is expected to approve next week. (H.R.3045)
Another Stimulus Bill in Question: Speculation about another economic stimulus plan is resurfacing on Capitol Hill. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) responded that she wants to give the $787 billion package enacted earlier this year more time to work. Lawmakers are considering another extension of unemployment benefits along with a decision to pass an extensive new highway bill.
Agriculture Bill: The House passed a bill by a vote of 266 - 160 that would make appropriations for rural development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and related agencies. The legislation provides an increase for the FDA to support a total funding level of $2.338 billion in discretionary funding through fiscal year 2010. It would make significant investments in agricultural research and expand U.S. commitment to international food aid. (H.R.2997)
PREVIEW
The House will focus on spending bills next week. It is expected to begin with the draft fiscal 2010 appropriations bill for the Energy Department and water infrastructure programs, which would provide $33.3 billion in discretionary funding. It is also expected to consider the financial services appropriations bill, which includes $24.2 billion in discretionary funds. The Senate plans to consider a defense authorization measure (S.1390). The $680 billion measure would call for a 3.4 percent pay raise for the military. In defiance of President Obama’s first veto threat, it would authorize $1.75 billion for seven F-22 fighter planes.
Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF
My Representative and Senators' Contact Information:
Representative Dave Loebsack: 1513 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-1502Phone: (202) 225-6576
Fax: (202) 226-0757Website: http://Loebsack.house.gov/Webform: http://loebsack.house.gov/contactform/
Senator Charles Grassley: SH-135 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510-1501Phone: (202) 224-3744
Fax: (202) 224-6020Website: http://Grassley.senate.gov/Webform: grassley.senate.gov/webform.htm
Senator Tom Harkin: SH-731 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510-1502Phone: (202) 224-3254
Fax: (202) 224-9369Website: http://Harkin.senate.gov/Webform: harkin.senate.gov/contact/contact.cfm
Thank you for being a responsible American; your voice is making a difference.
"This is considered an important first step in the City’s effort to have
co-location of key staff to meet community needs and enhance neighborhood
problem-solving. It is also the continuation of community policing initiatives
and a commitment to the central district."
The Gazetteonline reports in a July 10, 2009 story titled City opens police substation on Second Ave. SE.
Local Government 101:
The City of Cedar Rapids needs to scale up their community policing priorities. It's not just a hammer, but it should include code enforcement, zoning, use and infrastructure. Public Safety needs to be our City's #1 priority from a local government standpoint. The public needs to step up and help in communication and neighborhood watch. But, code enforcement is the primary responsibility of the City.
While Jobs, Housing and Economic Development are Community priorities, it's the private sector that should take the primary lead in these priorities. Since, governments often create more hurdles than benefits when it comes to Jobs, Housing and Economic Development. The City of Cedar Rapids needs to be consistent in its code enforcement, zoning, and use. We need to make sure that our infrastructure is safe and functional to ensure public safety. Rough roads, potholes, burned out signal and caution lights, along with faded street paint can lead to unsafe conditions.
"We should phase out employer coverage incrementally while providing taxLeft behind in abundance: Redesigning our health care system - Iowa City Press-Citizen Mariannette Miller-Meeks contributed on July 8, 2009 as a guest opinion contributor on the Health Care discussion.
deductions for higher income and tax credits (pre-fund) for lower income and
those with chronic pre-existing diseases. Funding such individual health plans
accessed by debit cards would empower individuals, regulate the insurance
industry and provide choice. We could maintain the innovative strengths of our
current system, using the government to insure coverage of the needy,
transparency of prices and prevention of fraud." - Dr. Mariannette
Miller-Meeks
"Excited about the Public Interest Institutes's Consumer Driven Health Care
forums next week! Everyone come-bring your friends! We have 3 great panelists.
All well known consumer health care experts - NOT government/socialized medicine promoters. Des Moines-Monday, 7/13, The Machine Shed, 6:30. Cedar
Rapids-Tuesday, 7/14, Kirkwood Community College, 6:30. Davenport-Wednesday, 7/15, St. Ambrose, 6:30. With Free Food! " - Deborah Thornton
“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
“The choice to use generational debt to borrow and spend our way out of
a crisis is the wrong approach. To deliberate and delay on flood recovery is the
wrong approach. Playing political games with marriage, with reflecting Iowa
values, is the wrong approach." - Christian Fong
“Bottom line, Iowa families can’t shoulder the burden Gov. Culver has
placed on their shoulders. I’m a businessman and it’s clear when a
business is off track you need a new CEO and we need a new CEO for the
state.” - Christian Fong
Businessman Bob Vander Plaats and Rep. Christopher Rants, both of Sioux City, and Rep. Rod Roberts of Carroll have formed exploratory committees. Several others,
including U.S. Rep. Steve King, Iowa Sen. Jerry Behn of Boone, and businessman Mike Whalen, also are mentioned as possible candidates.
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