Enjoyed Rotary at Noon ...

As a member of the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids, I attended my weekly meeting on Monday, which featured the 'Passing of the Gavel' between outgoing President Paul Morf and our 98Th incoming President Doug Laird.

Last week at Rotary:

RIPPLES FROM THE RAPIDS
MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010

Congratulations to our two more Club Appreciation Award recipients today ...

• SCORE
• Families Helping Families

Last week, John M. Smith was named 2010 Community Service Award Recipient and Clint Twedt-Ball received a Club Appreciation Award. Link

Our Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids, is the 48Th largest Rotary Club in size and is in its 96Th year of existence. We have 351 members, with 321 active members. A record 41 new members this year.

Robin Tucker

The NWYC R&P Report for Monday, June 28, 2010 ...

www.nwyc.com
Vol. 14 No. 2-20

Monday, June 28, 2010

REVIEW

Banking Industry Overhaul Legislation: House and Senate negotiators made slow progress last week toward finalizing the bill that would amount to the most significant rewrite of the nation’s financial laws in decades. The deadlock centered on two key provisions of the legislation: a new framework for derivatives regulation and a proposed ban on proprietary trading by banks. (H.R.4173)

Iran Sanctions: The House and Senate adopted a conference report that would penalize foreign companies for doing business with Tehran. (H.R.2194)

Tax Extenders: Senate Democrats’ months-long effort to pass a package of tax cut extensions and unemployment benefits collapsed last week amid partisan disagreements. The measure had been a core component of the Obama administration’s economic recovery agenda. It is not expected to be brought to the floor in the near future. (H.R.4213)

Campaign Disclosure Bill: The House narrowly passed a White House-backed campaign finance disclosure bill by a margin of only 13 votes. In the Senate, Republicans have pledged an all-out fight against the measure that would exempt large nonprofit organizations from some reporting requirements. (H.R.5175)

Senate Panel Backs TSA Nominee: A Senate panel backed the nomination of President Obama’s latest pick to head the Transportation Security Administration. Senate confirmation is expected for John Pistole to fill the seat that has been vacant for several months.

Aid for Nuclear Plants: A disagreement about federal aid for new nuclear power plants triggered the June 23 postponement of a markup of the fiscal 2011 Energy-Water spending bill. The bill did not include $36 billion in nuclear plant loan guarantees requested by President Obama for the fiscal 2011 budget.

Cybersecurity Measure: A Senate panel approved legislation that would establish an executive office to create a plan to combat terrorism attacks that target the nation’s cyber infrastructure. (S.3480)

PREVIEW

Oil Spill Restitution: A Senate committee approved a measure that would increase penalties for environmental crimes and require compensation to its victims. The bill aims to help residents of the Gulf Coast oil spill, who are facing the loss of their livelihood. It is expected to be brought to the floor in the coming months.(S.3466) For more information and to express your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com.

War Spending and Withdrawal: Anti-war lawmakers who object to the Obama administration’s strategy in Afghanistan are hoping to force policy changes this week when a fiscal 2010 supplemental war spending bill is expected to come to the House floor. The House is asked to vote on $33.5 billion in supplemental spending for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Lawmakers are seeking the administration’s assurance that President Obama is committed to beginning the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in July 2011, depending on conditions in that country. (H.R.4899)

Energy Bill: Democratic lawmakers are still pledging to pass energy legislation this year, though they have reported little headway on the central question of whether to include broad climate change provisions in their bill. (S.2877)

The Week Ahead: Next week, as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming July Fourth recess, the House is will take up a war spending bill while the Senate is expected to consider a small-business jobs package. Both chambers are also scheduled to consider the conference report for a financial regulatory overhaul bill.

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

Mrs. Barbara Grassley campaigns in Ottumwa‎ - KTVO
Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks made a campaign stop in Ottumwa on Friday morning ... The Iowa Republican State Convention began on Friday night in Des Moines ...

"She's very strong on the defense of our country and our
liberties. That is what it is. It is about defending our liberties," ~
Mrs. Barbara Grassley

A similar event was held Thursday night for Mrs. Grassley and Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Cedar Rapids. The event was held at the home of Steve and Connie Armstrong and was well attended.

Robin Tucker

Attending Rotary Club meeting for Monday, June 21, 2010: Insight on the possible closing of Second Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids ...

First Official Day of Summer, June 21, 2010 ...

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting ...

Robin Tucker and his father, Tommy Tucker are members of
Rotary International and are each Paul Harris Fellows ...

Celebrate Rotary's 105 years of service by contributing to The Rotary Foundation

Robin Tucker is planning to attend his Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Crowne Plaza Hotel at Noon

Today's Program:

Mike Sundall, PCI Project - The Medical Corridor

Upcoming programs and events for our Club:

• June 28, 2010 - Passing the Gavel and Community Awards

Robin Tucker

The R&P Report for Monday, June 14, 2010: Flag Day ...

This week's R&P Report from www.nwyc.com

Vol. 14 No. 2-18

Monday, June 14, 2010

REVIEW

Climate Change: Senate Democrats remained divided over whether to bring comprehensive climate change provisions to the floor next month as part of an energy bill. By a vote of 47-53, senators rejected a procedural motion - and thus shelved a Republican resolution that would have overturned an EPA finding that greenhouse gases endanger human health and thus should be regulated under the Clean Air Act. (H.R.1462),

Financial Bill: House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) is leading conference talks as the House and the Senate attempt to reconcile their separate financial bills. Among other issues, negotiators will be deciding how to implement consumer protection and ways to liquidate failing banks. (H.R.4173)

Cyberspace Defense: Leaders of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee introduced a measure that would restructure parts of the federal government to combat computer attacks. The legislation would create a Senate-confirmed official to oversee the nation’s computer defenses, establish a cybersecurity hub and grant power to the President to direct the private sector during an emergency. (S.773)

Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee plans to hold a vote on a new strategic arms reduction treaty with Russia before Congress takes its August recess. This is seen as a key step in efforts to approve ratification of the pact by year’s end.

Stalled Intelligence Authorization Bill: Now that senators are reporting fewer objections to President Obama’s selection of James Clapper Jr. as director of national intelligence, the long-stalled fiscal 2010 intelligence authorization bill is expected to pass. The bill is aimed at improving congressional oversight of spy agencies and bolstering the powers of the “intelligence czar’s” office. (H.R.2701)

Cruise Ship Safety: The Senate passed a bill that would require cruise ships to maintain videotape surveillance, logs of reported deaths and missing individuals and alleged crimes on board. Personnel would have to be trained in crime scene investigation techniques, and rape kits would have to be available aboard the ships, along with a forensic specialist trained to deal with allegations of sexual assault.(S.588)

Federal Housing Administration: The House passed legislation to raise the maximum annual mortgage insurance premium on loans that it guarantees, thus boosting its dwindling capital reserves. (HR 5072)

Oil Spill Cleanup Fund: The House voted 410-0 to pass a bill that would remove limitations on the amount of money the administration can use for cleanup efforts from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The vote came one day after the Senate passed the bill. The President is expected to sign it this week. (S.3473)

PREVIEW

Toxic Chemical Regulations: An environmental coalition is urging Congress to overhaul federal regulation of toxic chemicals. It says dispersants used to break up thick oil in the Gulf are why the law needs to be strengthened. Under current law, dispersant manufacturers do not have to disclose what chemicals are used in their products and they are not required to safety test them.

$8 Billion Funding Boost: Child nutrition programs, including school lunches, could get an $8 billion boost in funding over the next 10 years under a newly introduced bill. Budget offsets or tax increases are required to pay for the increase. (S.3307) To express your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com.

The Week Ahead: The Senate will continue work on a $140 billion tax and benefits package. The House is expected to consider bills related to small businesses, campaign finance and supplemental spending.

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

Small Business appears to be impacted by ObamaCare, with recent news on the impact of the new Federal Legislation.

According to the report, by 2013 51% of all employers — 66% of small
employers (3-99 employees) and 45% of large employers — would have to relinquish
current coverage. In a worst-case scenario, 69% of firms would lose their
grandfathered status - Investors Business Daily

Administration: 51% Of Companies’ Health Plans Won’t Pass Muster - Investors Business Daily
Internal White House documents reveal that 51% of employers may have to relinquish their current health care coverage by 2013 due to ObamaCare. That numbers soars to 66% for small-business employers ...

Robin Tucker

Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids program for Monday, June 14, 2010 on Climatology ...

Happy Flag Day, June 14, 2010 ...

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting ...

Robin Tucker and his father, Tommy Tucker are members of
Rotary International and are each Paul Harris Fellows ...

Celebrate Rotary's 105 years of service by contributing to The Rotary Foundation

Robin Tucker is planning to attend his Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Crowne Plaza Hotel at Noon

Today's Program:

Elwynn Taylor, Professor of Climatology

Iowa State University

Upcoming programs and events for our Club:

• June 21, 2010 - Mike Sundall, PCI Project
• June 28, 2010 - Passing the Gavel

Robin Tucker

Thank you to all who volunteered and supported Miller-Meeks for Congress in the Primary Election ...

On behalf of Miller-Meeks for Congress in Linn County, we want to personally thank those who supported Mariannette in winning the Republican nomination for Iowa's 2Nd Congressional District on Tuesday. The following e-mail was sent this morning from our wonderful campaign manager, Tracie. We appreciated every one's hard work and time!

Hello Team Miller-Meeks!

Wow! What a night! Last night your months of hard work and faith paid off--Mariannette is our Republican nominee for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District!

With 100% of precincts reporting, Mariannette took 50.7% of the vote, over double the total votes received by her nearest opponent. She won 14 of 15 counties with the icing on the cake being she won in Linn County, the home of the other 3 candidates! If you'd like to see how Mariannette did in your county, click
here: http://data.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/iowa-elections/

I hope you are all very proud of yourselves and YOUR victory--every single one of
you won last night when your work for Mariannette came to fruition. We
should be excited and continue to conduct ourselves in the ethical and honorable
way we have thus far, and welcome our opponents' supporters into our efforts so
that we can send Loebsack back to Mt Vernon November 2. It's going to take
every single one of us to do it, and then some, but I'm confident that
Mariannette and Team Miller-Meeks have what it takes to do it!

In the coming days, we will be mapping out our strategy for the general election
campaign. You will all be an integral part of that effort, so please take
these days to rest up so we can hit the ground running! First, though, we
must CELEBRATE! Join us tonight at the Hotel Ottumwa from 6-8 p.m. for a
party honoring YOU and our other supporters for the time, talents, and money
that have been contributed to Team Miller-Meeks. Details are:

Supporter Appreciation Party
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
6-8 p.m.
Hotel Ottumwa
107 E. Second Street
Ottumwa, IA

As always, I am available for questions/comments, etc.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Tracie


-- Tracie Gibler
Campaign Manager
Miller-Meeks for Congress
Phone: 641-777-4251
www.millermeeks.com

We would appreciate your support in the November 2Nd general election in the State of Iowa for the 2Nd Congressional District. Please feel free to contact the TEAM here in Linn County or Tracie with Team Miller-Meeks throughout the District!

Robin Tucker

We encourage all Iowa Residents of voting age to participate in today's Primary Election!

We want to remind all State of Iowa residents, who are eligible to vote to get out and vote today in the primary election. Click the link below to find your polling location.

http://sos.state.ia.us/elections/VoterReg/PollingPlace/search.aspx

If you are a resident in the State of Iowa, but are not registered, you can still vote, by registering at your polling place. You will need proof of identity and proof of residence.

As many of you know, we have been involved in the Miller-Meeks for Congress campaign, so if you are voting today in that primary, we would appreciate your support for Mariannette!

Robin Tucker

Should the American Jobs an Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010 be enacted?

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.

Quick Ballot

American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010

The Senate is scheduled to take up the $113 billion American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010, which was approved by the House (H.R.4213). The proposed legislation would revive a variety of business tax breaks, extend expanded unemployment benefits through Nov. 30 and prevent a scheduled payment cut for doctors under Medicare through 2011. Please note that this is a complex measure, go to http://www.spesend.net/SpeClicks.aspx?X=2R0QE581HVFHC2IS01NMW8 for additional information.

Should Congress pass H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010?

For: Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA)

“There are four reasons I will vote for this bill. It extends unemployment benefits for America’s jobless workers at a time when they need it most, providing basic assistance for needy families. It extends the temporary increase in the federal Medicaid matching funds delivered to the states. ...It provides critical assistance to those struggling to pay for healthcare by extending the COBRA premium assistance program. It extends the Research and Development Tax Credit to the end of this year, a tax credit I have fought to make permanent...”

Against: Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT)

“I rise today with regret that I am unable to cast my vote in support of H.R.4213 as it stands. While I support many of the provisions contained in the bill, I generally will not and cannot support increased spending that does not meet the true spirit of the PAYGO…Today, I take a step towards thoughtfully rebalancing the budget. While we all know that the economy has by no means fully recovered, it’s time to pull back government spending so that we don’t find ourselves in an even more dangerous fiscal predicament down the road.”

Click here to voice your opinion!

Voice your opinion now!

We can voice our opinion to our Elected Officials often by mail, telephone or E-mail. But, tomorrow, in the State of Iowa, Democrats and Republicans can go to the polls for the Primary Election to determine our Federal, State and County candidates races for the November General Election in Iowa. Linn County info.

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, June 8Th in either the Republican or Democrat primaries in our State. Don't forget to Vote on June 8Th.

Robin Tucker

Vote Miller-Meeks Tuesday

http://www.millermeeks.com/

Send Pelosi a message that Iowa doesn't want a puppet in Washington

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting for Monday, June 7, 2010 ...

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting ...

Robin Tucker and his father, Tommy Tucker are members of
Rotary International and are each Paul Harris Fellows ...

Celebrate Rotary's 105 years of service by contributing to The Rotary Foundation

Robin Tucker is planning to attend his Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Crowne Plaza Hotel at Noon

Today's Program:

John Bloomhall

President, Diamond V Mills

Upcoming programs and events for our Club:

• June 14, 2010 - Elwynn Taylor, Professor of Climatology, Iowa State University
• June 21, 2010 - Mike Sundall, PCI Project
• June 28, 2010 - Passing the Gavel

Robin Tucker

We signed up for the Cancer Prevention Study-3 ...

On Friday night, we signed up ...

This year, the Relay For Life in Cedar Rapids hosted enrollment for

CANCER PREVENTION STUDY-3.

Who was eligible to participate?

Anyone who:

• Is willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which involves completing periodic follow-up surveys at home


• Is between 30 and 65 years old


• Has never been diagnosed with cancer (not including basal or squamous cell cancer)

We learned about the event at our Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting on Monday, May 17Th. It was nice to see fellow Rotarians and members of the Cedar Rapids community, including our Senior Pastor at St. Paul's UMC participating. We sadly learned this past month that one of Carole's high school classmate's is battling an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Robin Tucker

Meet and Greet tonight for Miller-Meeks for Congress from 6 to 8 pm at Noelridge Park ...

Carole and I are proud to support Miller-Meeks for Congress in the 2Nd Congressional District in the State of Iowa. We believed in her in 2008 and we believe she is the right candidate for our community in 2010.

We invite you to Meet and Greet Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks from 6 to 8 pm at Noelridge Park at the Creekside Pavilion. We believe Miller-Meeks is the right candidate to defeat David Loebsack in the 2Nd November General Election. History likely plays a big role in this election. Feel free to visit with me about this important race for Congress. I plan to be at tonight's Meet & Greet. Mariannette is seeking our vote in as the Republican nomination for Congress on June 8Th in the Republican Primary.

The Creekside Pavilion at Noelridge Park will be the site of the Thursday, June 3Rd Meet & Greet for Miller-Meeks. Directions: Located at the north end of Golf Street NE about three blocks north of 42Nd Street. Pavilion is on the east or right side of Golf Street as you travel from 42Nd and Golf.

Miller-Meeks lost to Loebsack by a 3-2 margin in 2008. But much has changed
since that strong Democratic year swept Barack Obama to the presidency and gave the Democrats a near filibuster-proof majority in the U.S. Senate. And we think Miller-Meeks, now two years older and wiser, is the candidate best able to ride this election cycle's anti-incumbent wave and give Loebsack a run for his
money. - Press-Citizen endorsement

Our View - Miller-Meeks best choice for 2nd District - Iowa City Press-Citizen

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Tracie Gibler with the Miller-Meeks campaign at 641.777.4251.

Robin Tucker