Lawmakers strike major budget deal - CNNPolitics.com

 

CNN)Bipartisan congressional leaders and the White House struck a major fiscal deal in principle Monday that would raise the debt ceiling and lift budget caps on both defense and domestic programs, according to congressional sources familiar with the deal.

The agreement could be voted on as early as Wednesday, the same day House Republicans are expected to nominate Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, to replace retiring Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, as House speaker.

The final details are being ironed out and a bill could be introduced later Monday as negotiators draft the language to prepare for it for vote.

This deal would avoid a potential debt default on November 3, and it would reduce the chances of a government shutdown on December 11.

The agreement includes top line numbers for defense and domestic spending levels for the next two years, but Congress will still need to pass some type of omnibus spending bill that includes specific levels for various federal agencies to avoid a shutdown in December.

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The deal includes $80 billion in increased defense and domestic spending over two years‎, a senior House source told CNN.

It also includes more money for the Pentagon's overseas contingency account.

That new spending would be offset by sales from the strategic petroleum oil reserve, use of public airwaves for telecommunications companies and changes to the crop insurance program — among other measures. Moreover, the deal would spread out increases in Medicare premiums over time so beneficiaries don't feel them acutely. It would also aim to preserve the Social Security disability trust fund, sources said.

Conservatives sharply panned the deal.

"It's emblematic of five years of failed leadership," said Rep. Justin Amash, R-Michigan.

But Sen. John McCain says he will support the deal, even though it is $5 billion short on defense funding in 2016 and more than that in 2017.

"I think it is saleable," he told reporters after leaving a Senate GOP Conference meeting.

Boehner's office negotiated many of the details directly with the White House, but House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid were also part of the discussions as the framework was developed, according to a source familiar with the talks.

As he walked off the floor and back to his office, McConnell signaled leaders were on the cusp of a deal to raise the debt ceiling and budget caps.

"Yeah, we're still talking," he said.

He was then asked if he feels good about where they are he repeated, "We're still talking."

On the floor, Reid signaled talks were moving forward as well.

"There is no reason to have one -- that is a crisis," he said.

House and Senate GOP leaders scheduled a closed door meeting for rank-and-file members for Monday evening to discuss the emerging deal.

The legislation could be filed as early as Monday night with a House vote likely Wednesday -- the same day as House Republicans vote to elect a new speaker.

The deal is not yet final, and could ultimately change. But the discussions are moving quickly since Boehner wants to wrap up the divisive fiscal issues before he hands the gavel on Thursday to Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, who is expected to win House leadership elections.

It's still uncertain whether the two sides -- particularly in the House -- could win over the rank-and-file and push the matter to final passage. But if Pelosi agrees to back the package, and Boehner can deliver a large segment of his conference, it could be enough to overcome opposition from conservative factions. Two sources said Monday that Boehner and Pelosi were having "productive" discussions.

The possible deal could give both sides cover. The White House has said that the debt limit should not have any corresponding budget cuts and should pass without restrictions in order to meet the November 3 deadline to avoid a possible default.

But if a budget deal moved at the same time, Republicans could point to the cuts Democrats agreed to in order to argue they were winning concessions from the White House. One source familiar with the discussions said that the two sides were looking at the possibility of a two-year budget deal, effectively decreasing the chances of a shutdown December 11.

Boehner was expected to discuss the matter with his leadership team later Monday afternoon

Lawmakers strike major budget deal - CNNPolitics.com

Dry fall yields productive harvest season in Boone, Winnebago counties - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

 

By Adam Poulisse
Staff writer

Posted Oct. 25, 2015 at 1:00 PM
Updated Oct 25, 2015 at 7:05 PM

BELVIDERE — For Marshall Newhouse, a dry fall is good news for him and his 1,400-acre farm in Capron.

"As far as the weather is going, you cannot ask for a more agreeable harvest," the former Boone County Board member said. "The ground is firm because it's dry. Without the mud, you're not battling with machinery. It aids in the process when everything is nice and dry. Everything works better with harvesting equipment."

A wet August and dry fall resulted in a productive harvest, allowing farmers in Winnebago and Boone counties more time in the fields, even if crop prices aren't as high as they were two years ago. The price for a bushel of corn is about $3.50, half of what it was two years ago, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Soybean prices are about $8.60, compared with about $10 last year.

"If you take good production and depressed prices, you're hoping it will average out to an average year," Newhouse said.

Seventy-two percent of corn and 89 percent of soybeans have been harvested in northeast Illinois, according to the USDA's crop report for the week ending Oct. 18. Statewide, 85 percent of corn and soybeans and 76 percent or sorghum have been harvested, each significantly higher than the same time last year.

Newhouse was worried that a monthlong midsummer dry spell would hurt the crops, but then came "a sweet spot": a rainy late August that gave way to a dry fall.

"We were anticipating there would be a yield drag from that stretch," Newhouse said. "When we got to the August rain, it fooled me."

Richard Beuth started his combine at 7:30 a.m. Friday, hoping to get a head start harvesting corn on his 1,300-acre Seward farm before the rain.

"It's been, for the most part, a pretty good harvest," he said. "No rain for a month makes it nice for harvesting," and the yield has been "pretty good."

"With this weather, the corn's been drying in the field. (Farmers) don't have to dry it, which saves lots of money."

While yields are up, farmers are battling lower crop prices that cut into profit margins.

"With the good yields, even with the good prices, (farmers) may be able to break even," Beuth said.

With his beans harvested, Newhouse is taking care of the corn.

"I'm about 99 percent positive (Boone County farmers) will meet or exceed county averages," he said.

Dry fall yields productive harvest season in Boone, Winnebago counties - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

Illinois Department of Public Health to contact Boone County Health Department

 

By Lisa Rodgers
Reporter
BOONE COUNTY-The Belvidere Daily Republican (BDR) has sought clarification of public statements by the Boone County Health Department (BCHD) on rhubarb. The BDR has reached out to State Representative Joe Sosnowski for assistance in contacting the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for answers.
The BDR was informed that IDPH would contact the Boone County Health Department to explain that rhubarb is a non-potentially hazardous food item under home kitchen operations.
On Oct. 7, the following statement was issued from IDPH: “Rhubarb was not originally included in the listing of non-potentially hazardous items. Only high-acid fruit pies were included (rhubarb is technically a vegetable).
*Please note the following answers will only be applicable to the (410 ILCS 625/) Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act from the present time until Dec. 31 as an amendment will become effective Jan. 1, 2016 significantly changing the law (http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1578&ChapterID=35) .
With the assistance of Representative Joe Sosnowski’s office, the following questions were submitted by the BDR to IDPH. The italic portion is the response from IDPH.
For clarification purposes “non-potentially hazardous” baked goods are defined instatute such as, but not limited to, breads, cookies, cakes, pies, and pastries (410 ILCS625/4(b)(1)(C).
The types of fruit pies that are permissible and not permissible by home kitchen and cottage food operations is defined under 410 ILCS 625/4(b)(1)(C).
1. Has Illinois ever prohibited the sale or consumption of rhubarb in any form?
*Yes; however, there exist exemptions for baked goods within home kitchen operations.
2. Under the current law, is rhubarb (as a baked good) considered “non-potentially hazardous” under Home Kitchen Operation (410 ILCS 625/3.6)?
* IDPH considers rhubarb baked goods to fall within the parameters of a “non-potentially hazardous” baked good item under home kitchen operation.
*Rhubarb pie is not specifically stated as allowable in statute; however, IDPH considers rhubarb pie as a “non-potentially hazardous” baked good item under home kitchen due to the pH level of 3.1-3.4.
3. Under current law, are non-for profits considered home kitchen or cottage food operation?
* To determine if a non-for profit falls under the guidelines of home kitchen or cottage food operation depends on the type of event.
*Example a church potluck is considered a private event, as defined by Section 3.1 of the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act. If the event meets the definition of potluck as defined, then no law prohibits the types of products to be served. If the church event exceeds the definition of potluck than the local health department enforcement falls within the oversight of IL Food Service Sanitation Code Part 750.
4.Under current law can rhubarb pies, jams, jellies, butters or preserves be sold at Farmer’s Markets?
*No. Rhubarb may not be sold in any form at Farmer’s Markets. Farmer’s Markets are defined as cottage food operations. Cottage Food Operations are prohibited from selling products containing rhubarb.
5. Under current law, can rhubarb pies, jams/jellies, butters and preserves be sold at bake sales?
* Rhubarb types of jams/jellies, butters and preserves are not considered permissible to be sold at bake sales.
* Even though Rhubarb pies are not explicitly referenced rhubarb pies maybe sold at baked sales, because the pH level is considered “non-potentially hazardous.” at 3.1-3.4
*If the local government has not passed an ordinance to allow “non-potentially hazardous” baked goods to be sold from home kitchen operations than “non-potentially hazardous” baked goods must be made in commercial kitchens. (PA 98-0643) adopted 6/10/14 – Statute Citation: 410 ILCS 625/3.6(c).
(c) This Section applies only to a home kitchen operation located in a municipality, township, or county where the local governing body has adopted an ordinance authorizing the direct sale of baked goods as described in Section 4 of this Act.
(Source: P.A. 98-643, eff. 6-10-14; 99-78, eff. 7-20-15.)
On Sept. 22, the BDR submitted a FOIA request to the BCHD via their email with the main questions being one. Does Boone County have a local ordinance regulating the operations of home kitchens? 2. Does Boone County have a local ordinance regulating the sale or consumption of non-potentially hazardous foods? As of the online publication of article, the BDR has not received a response.
The Belvidere Daily Republican would like to thank Rep. Sosnowski’s office and IDPH for their assistance in obtaining information for this article.
The next Boone County Board of Health meeting will be Monday, Nov. 2 at noon at 1204 Logan Ave. in Belvidere in the BCHD conference room.

Illinois Department of Public Health to contact Boone County Health Department

U of I Boone County Extension Office hosts coyote presentation

 

Posted by RVPEditor / In Belvidere Daily Republican, Events

BELVIDERE – Coyotes stir many emotions in the human population including fear, anger, and for many they represent the wild beauty of animal songs and prairies. Canis latrans is the scientific name for the coyote and it simply means ‘barking dog’ which is perfect considering the serenade they deliver on any given evening.

The chatter of the coyote family can bring an awareness of the wild around us even in a subdivision. It startles many people who assume streets with curbs and sidewalks mean a complete lack of wildness.

On the contrary, coyotes live amongst us all the time but are so wary and able to stay inconspicuous we rarely see them. More often the coyotes are but a melancholy song in the night. The majority of those who witness the elusive coyote are hunters and farmers who catch sight of them most often due to their time connected to the land. Others who see coyotes may not realize they were simply allowed to notice them.

“Coyotes are our best defense against the multiple rodent species that occur in high numbers. They are intensely focused on their family and really want nothing to do with us,” Peggy Doty, University of Illinois Extension Educator, said.

“Coyotes are considered a fur bearer and can be harvested as such, however if your coyotes are not doing anything disruptive on your property it would be wise to let them be so you don’t eliminate one who is copasetic with humans only to have the gap filled by a coyote who has learned a behavior that would conflict with your human wildlife values,” Doty continued.

Coyotes have lived around us for a very long time. Join Peggy Doty for her program, The Life of the Coyote, Wednesday, November 4^th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Boone County Extension Meeting Room located at 205 Cadillac Ct. Suite 5 in Belvidere.

Peggy will share her interest as well as information from the longest on going coyote research project. Love them or hate them this is sure to be informative and interesting to all those who think they know coyotes.

The fee for this program is $5 per person. Registration can be done by calling the Boone County Extension office at (815) 544-3710, or online at web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the Extension office.

U of I Boone County Extension Office hosts coyote presentation

Our View: Rockford, Winnebago County should OK reworked airport funding deal - Opinion - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

• 

Posted Oct. 25, 2015 at 5:45 PM

Chicago Rockford International Airport continues to build the two maintenance, repair and overhaul hangars that will house AAR Corp.'s airliner-repair facility beginning in 2016. It's the biggest construction project at the airport since UPS built its air freight center in 1993. The work is proceeding well, and the project is on time and within budget.

However, airport leaders have had to do some recalculations about how to keep construction workers on the job. It's not because of anything they did; it is because Illinois hasn't passed a budget, something that was supposed to happen in May. After talking to our state legislators, we don't expect to see a new budget until early 2016.

This adversely affects the MRO project because the state committed in 2014 to paying $16.5 million of the $40 million price tag. The airport has received $1.5 million from the state, but the remainder has been delayed because of the political impasse over the budget.

Meanwhile, the MRO is supposed to open in the first half of 2016. It is crucial that it happens on time.

Gov. Bruce Rauner is sympathetic. The project is the poster child for meeting all three requirements of state assistance for capital projects: It creates good jobs, it's a public-private partnership, and it has an education component, which is Rock Valley College's brand-new aviation technology center, directly across the street from the MRO buildings. Courses are underway and the interest is intense. There's a long waiting list to get in next year.

When students complete the RVC program they will be qualified to apply for the 500 jobs that AAR will have at the MRO. These jobs often start at $50,000. And while AAR is an Illinois-based company with seven jet-repair facilities in the U.S., Rockford's will be its first in Illinois. So it's a net win for Illinois.

After talks with the governor's office, Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, secured a letter from Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director James M. Schultz, confirming the state's intent to help pay for this project. It concludes: "At such time as which the airport demonstrates evidence of the $10 million match in federal funding for the project AND the state’s funding is appropriated during the current fiscal year, the department would be pleased to reimburse the airport for its project costs."

The federal government's share is being secured by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Rockford, and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline. The airport has received $2.5 million of the U.S. money for the MRO.

Rockford has committed to $5 million of the MRO project; Winnebago County intends to contribute $8 million, and the airport will give $4 million.

The way the city and county agreements are written, the state's money is supposed come in first, then the local shares will kick in.

• Now, because of the budget impasse in Springfield, the city and county agreements must be changed to keep construction on time.

  A consortium of at least five banks, led by Alpine President Bill Roop, has agreed to back the MRO project if the city and county change their agreements with the airport and make the money available now.

  That would allow the airport to sell $17 million in bonds, to be funded by the banks and paid back to them with the federal and state government money when it is received.

  There's no risk to the city or county. When the bonds are sold, work on the MRO can be completed on time and we can begin creating jobs — and new taxpayers — in Winnebago County. However, the city and county must act now.

• By The Editorial Board
  Rockford Register Star

Our View: Rockford, Winnebago County should OK reworked airport funding deal - Opinion - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL