Pingree Road Improvements Near Completion

The City of Crystal Lake reports that the final stages of completing the improvements to Pingree Road between US 14 and Rakow Road are underway.

The project included the rehabilitation of the deteriorated pavement, addition of a center turn lane, and a bike path along the east side of the road. All this required that traffic be temporarily limited to north bound vehicles only during the construction.

Work is wrapping up for the season and Pingree Road, between Pointe Drive and Tek Drive, is scheduled to be-opened to two-way traffic on Tuesday, November 22

Motorists should note that the stop signs on Pingree Road, at Three Oaks Road, will be removed once two-way traffic is re-established, as they are not warranted per the Federal guidelines that were applied due to the federal grant used in part to fund this project.

Words of Wisdom

"War is not the best engine for us to resort to; nature has given us one in our commerce, which if properly managed, will be a better instrument for obliging the interested nations of Europe to treat us with justice."

 --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Thomas Pickney, 1797

More Than Menu Needed For Holiday Meals

Planning for holiday meals should include more than a delicious menu and invited guests.   McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) wants you to practice safe food handling as well.  Keeping “hot things hot (>135 degrees) and cold things cold” can reduce your risk of a food-borne illness.  Other safety tips include -- 

• Thaw frozen meats in the refrigerator (allow 1 day for each 5 pounds of weight plus an extra day or two).
• Don’t buy a fresh turkey too soon as fresh poultry should be kept in the refrigerator no more than two days before cooking.
• Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after handling foods.
• Clean all kitchen surfaces before you begin cooking.
• Scrub cutting boards with hot soapy water after preparing food to avoid cross contamination.
• Use a metal stemmed food thermometer to ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature.  Food is safely cooked when it reaches a high enough internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria (165°F for turkey).
• It is recommended that leftovers be refrigerated within 2 hours of serving time.

Food-borne illness is preventable.  If you suspect a food-borne illness, contact MCDH for investigation. Staff can be reached at 815-334-4585, Monday - Friday from 8am to 4:30pm. For after hour emergencies, call 815-344-7421.

Visit www.foodsafety.gov for other tips. 

Why Tax Revenue Needs To Be Carefully Considered

Report On Household Income

"Sentier Research recently released a report that introduces a new monthly series that will examine trends in the income (before taxes) of American households.

This new series should prove to be a very valuable addition to existing statistical series such as the employment and unemployment data released monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

It will provide the only measure of changes in household income from this point forward until the Fall of 2012 when the U.S. Census Bureau will issue its report for income and poverty in calendar year 2011.

This report includes: (1) estimated changes in household income during the recent recession and post-recessionary period, and (2) the new Household Income Index (HII) that tracks median household income by month starting in January 2000. First, it examines household income trends during the recent recession lasting from December 2007 to June 2009, and two full years of the “economic recovery” beginning in June 2009 up through June 2011. It shows that there has been no recovery in terms of household income. To the contrary, it shows that median household income has continued to decline up through June 2011."

From beSpacific™ - Accurate, focused law and technology news
http://www.bespacific.com

Estimated Tax Levy For McHenry County College

The McHenry County College Board of Trustees last evening adopted a Resolution Determining the Estimated Tax Levy for the 2011 Tax Year.  The required public hearing on the proposed levy is scheduled December 14.

The information regarding the amount is as follows:

McHenry County College                      Proposed Property Tax Increase
	2010	2011
Operating and Special Purpose	$26,540,508	$29,168,018
Debt Service Extended	-0-	-0-
Total Proposed Property Tax To Be Levied	$26,540,508	$29,168,018

This represents a 9.9% increase over the previous year. The actual tax rate will be determined by the County Clerk’s Office.

Words of Wisdom

"[E]ven our Commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand: neither seeking nor granting exclusive favours or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of Commerce, but forcing nothing; establishing with Powers so disposed; in order to give trade a stable course.

 --George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796

Cary Man Found Guilty Of Criminal Sexual Assault and Child Pornography

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces today that John “Jack” Reed, 35, of Cary, was found guilty Wednesday, November 16, 2011, of multiple counts of Criminal Sexual Assault and Child Pornography. 

The defendant was charged with having sexual contact with a female relative over several months.  The victim was a minor at the time of the offenses.  During the trial, the jury was shown four separate videotaped encounters that contained multiple acts of sexual penetration.  Those videotaped images were recovered from the defendant’s laptop computer and were later analyzed by a forensic computer laboratory.  Additionally, the jury heard testimony from two other eye-witnesses to sexual acts between the defendant and the victim.

After approximately three hours of deliberations, the jury found the defendant guilty of ten counts of Criminal Sexual Assault and four counts of Child Pornography.  The Defendant faces a minimum sentence of 44 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.  This case was investigated by Sergeant Parsons of the Woodstock Police Department and forensic analysis was conducted by Amy Maskiewicz of the Chicago Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Sharyl Eisenstein and Michael Combs. 

McHenry County Conservation District Trustees Meet This Evening

THURSDAY, November 17, 2011

5:00 p.m. – Advocacy and Outreach Committee of McHenry County Conservation District –

Meeting this evening in the Brookdale Conservation Area, 18410 US Highway 14, Woodstock.

The topics for discussion include Community Organization Outreach Assignments, Fox Bluff Conservation Area Master Plan as well as any updates regarding Municipal, Township or County Board Outreach and Upcoming Events of Interest.

5:00 p.m. – Finance & Administrative Committee of McHenry County Conservation District –

Meeting this evening in the Brookdale Conservation Area, 18410 US Highway 14, Woodstock.

6:00 p.m. – McHenry County Conservation District Board of Trustees –

Meeting for an executive session in the Brookdale Conservation Area 18410 US Highway 24, Woodstock.

Following the executive session, the full board will meet in open session, allowing three minutes per person for any public comments.

Following various reports from the trustees, approval of minutes, a treasurer’s report, and staff reports, the Trustees are to set the 2012 meeting dates for the District, consider a number of change orders as well as lease agreements, letting of bids for brush clearing, purchase of nine vehicles through state bid, as well as a Forestry Compact Track Loader with Bucket.

The bills will be presented for payment, a first reading of an amendment to the Salary and Wage Compensation Administration Policy will be held and the topic of Health Insurance Renewal is also to be considered.

A report on the Bright Oaks Subdivision – Hollows Conservation Area is to be presented to the board. 

Social Security Services Now In Spanish

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced that the agency’s most popular online services, the applications for retirement and Medicare and for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, are now available in Spanish. 

The new online services are available at www.segurosocial.gov, the robust Spanish version of Social Security’s award winning website, www.socialsecurity.gov.

“The Spanish online applications for retirement, Medicare, and Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs are so easy and can be completed in as little as 15 minutes,” said Commissioner Astrue. 

“I’m proud that Social Security is a leader in the Federal government in providing service in Spanish, and I thank Don Francisco for volunteering his time to help spread the word about these new online services.”

In addition to the new applications, Social Security has also recently made online estimates of retirement benefits available in Spanish.  People interested in planning for retirement can get an immediate, personalized estimate of their Social Security benefit by using the Retirement Estimator at www.segurosocial.gov/calculador.  Using people’s actual wages from their Social Security record, the Estimator gives a good idea of what to expect in retirement. 

 Workers can enter in different dates and future wage projections to get estimates for different retirement scenarios, which is why this service is one of the most highly rated electronic services in the public or private sector.

Don Francisco, who will appear in several new public service announcements for Social Security, said, “I have good news to share with the millions of Americans who prefer to conduct business in Spanish.  You can now apply online for Social Security retirement and Medicare benefits in Spanish, as well as take advantage of other online services offered in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov.  ¡Es tan fácil!”

Once people complete the online application and “sign” it with the click of a mouse, the application is complete and, in most cases, there are no documents to submit or additional paperwork to fill out.  It’s the easiest way to apply, and now it’s available in Spanish.

Serve More Than Delicious Holiday Meals

Make sure they are safe to eat.

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) wants you to practice safe food handling as well.  Keeping “hot things hot (>135 degrees) and cold things cold” can reduce your risk of a food-borne illness.  Other safety tips include --

• Thaw frozen meats in the refrigerator (allow 1 day for each 5 pounds of weight plus an extra day or two).  Don’t buy a fresh turkey too soon as fresh poultry should be kept in the refrigerator no more than two days before cooking.
• Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after handling foods.
• Clean all kitchen surfaces before you begin cooking.
• Scrub cutting boards with hot soapy water after preparing food to avoid cross contamination.
• Use a metal stemmed food thermometer to ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature.  Food is safely cooked when it reaches a high enough internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria (165°F for turkey).
• It is recommended that leftovers be refrigerated within 2 hours of serving time.

 Food-borne illness is preventable.  If you suspect a food-borne illness, contact MCDH for investigation.  Staff can be reached at 815-334-4585, Monday - Friday from 8am to 4:30pm.  For after hour emergencies, call 815-344-7421.   Visit www.foodsafety.gov for other tips.

County Levy For Fiscal Year 2011-2012

Considerable discussion ensued Tuesday night at the meeting of the McHenry County Board. The touchy topic was the county budget which had to be approved along with the necessary document of an Appropriation Ordinance and an Ordinance providing for the Levy of Taxes.

Considerable discussion took place over the budget which shows a total amount expected to be expended for the coming year, December 1, 2011 through November 30, 2012, as $256,286,189. Likewise the same amount is identified in revenues expected or funds on hand.

The levy will determine the tax rate needed to provide the funds for the operation of the County services. Other sources are also available to provide for the total needed to operate the county government. It is the hope of County officials to keep the tax rate as close to the current rate as possible.

McHenry County Levy for
December 1-2011 Thru November 11, 2012
General Corp Fund	$37,005,995
Veterans Assist	360,000
Highway Fund	6,400,000
County Bridge Fund	1,040,000
Matching Tax Fund	1,110,000
IL Muni Retirement	4,750,000
FICA	3,290,000
Loss Prevention Protection	3,950,000
Mental Health Fund	12,779,995
TB Care and Treat	350,000
Valley Hi Nursing Home	6,000,000
Senior Services	1,775,000
TOTAL	$78,809,995

New In McHenry County State's Attorney's Office

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that Stephanie Andriola, Jana Blake, Robert Ladd, and, Alexander Geocaris have joined the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office as Assistant State’s Attorneys.

Stephanie Andriola graduated cum laude from the University Of Illinois College Of Law earlier this year.  Stephanie graduated magna cum laude from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2008.   Stephanie is a 2004 graduate of Cary-Grove High School. While in law school, Stephanie was the Production Editor for the University Of Illinois Journal Of Law, Technology & Policy. She also served on a board for the Student Hurricane Network, which raises awareness of legal and social issues affecting New Orleans. Last year, Stephanie worked as a legal intern for the law firm of Williams McCarthy, LLP in Rockford, Illinois, where she drafted motions, briefs, and estate planning documents. In 2009, she served as a legal intern in the Criminal Division of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.  Stephanie  is  assigned  to  the  Criminal  Division  of  the McHenry County State’s  Attorney’s Office.

 

Jana Blake graduated cum laude from the University Of Illinois College Of Law earlier this year.  Jana graduated from Saint Mary’s College in 2008. She is a

2004 graduate of Marian Central High School.  While in law school, Jana was the Topics Editor for the University of Illinois Elder Law Journal. She also served as the President of the Health Law Society.  During her undergraduate studies,  she  served  as  Vice  President  of  the  University  of  Notre  Dame Parliamentary Debate Team, where she competed nationally. During the summers of 2009 and 2010, Jana worked as a law clerk for the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, where she investigated consumer complaints, assisted the Consumer Fraud Bureau with document review, and, drafted legal memoranda.   Jana is assigned to the Civil Division of the McHenry County

State’s Attorney’s Office.

Robert Ladd graduated from the University Of Iowa College Of Law earlier this year.  Robert graduated from the University Of Notre Dame in 2008, where he hosted a weekly radio sports broadcast for Notre Dame Radio (WVFI).  Most recently, Robert worked as a judicial extern for the Honorable Jesse Reyes in Cook County, where Robert reviewed motions for default judgments in mortgage foreclosure proceedings to ensure that they complied with relevant statutes. He previously worked as an intern at the Muscatine County Attorney’s Office in Iowa, where he prosecuted misdemeanor and traffic offenses.  Robert has bench trial and jury trial experience.  Robert is assigned to juvenile court in the Criminal Division of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Alexander Geocaris graduated cum laude from Northern Illinois University College of Law earlier this year.  Alexander graduated from Augustana College in 2008.   While in law school, Alexander was the Managing Editor of the Northern Illinois University Law Review and a finalist in the law school’s moot court competition.    Alexander authored an article on Fourth Amendment jurisprudence which was published in the 2010 Northern Illinois University Law Review. Most recently, Alexander worked as a law clerk for Drendel & Jansons Law  Group  in  Batavia,  Illinois,  where  he  researched  various  legal  issues relating  to  municipal  law,  family  law,  and  commercial  litigation.  He  has previously  worked  as  a law  clerk  in the  DeKalb County  State’s   Attorney’s Office and in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.  Alexander is assigned to the Criminal Division of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Words of Wisdom

"Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual -- or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country."

--Samuel Adams, in the Boston Gazette, 1781

Government At Work

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

8:30 a.m. – Planning and Development Committee of McHenry County Board –

Meeting in the Conference Room of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Old Business to be handled includes a Resolution of an Amendment to the Bylaws of the McHenry County Community Development Block Grant Commission.

New items to be considered include:

• Model Wind Energy Ordinance
• McHenry County Council of Government request to allow municipalities to enforce their property maintenance codes in specified unincorporated areas.

Otherwise, there are reports, as applicable from:

• Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
• Community Development Block Grant Commission
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Housing Commission.

 6:00 p.m. – McHenry County College Board of Trustees, Special Board Meeting

Meeting in the MCC Board Room, McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

The agenda calls for a President’s Report, a Workshop with Wight & Company, Facility Master Plan, a closed session as well as comments by Board Members.

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County College Board of Trustees, Regular Board Meeting

Meeting in the MCC Board Room, McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

A report from the Finance and Negotiations Committee is included on the Agenda, along with the President’s Report.

A presentation on the building B Renovation Schedule/Phasing by RuckPate Architecture and Pepper Construction.

Various communications are listed including:

• Student Trustee Report
• Adjunct Faculty Report
• Staff Council Report
• Attorney Report.

 Matters on The Consent Agenda—

• Financial Statements
• Requests to Purchase
• Associate in Applied Science Degree and Certificate in Robotic Systems Engineering Technology
• Associate of Applied Science Degree and Certificates in Graphic Arts
• Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Program
• Resolution for Estimated Tax Levy and Notice of Public Hearing
• Personnel matters for adjustments for Fall 2010, Appointment, Requests for Retirement, Compensation Adjustments
• Information Reports
• Resignation
• ERP Report
• MCC Branding Update

Reminder--Click It Or Ticket Campaign

Thanksgiving should be a joyous time for families in America but sadly, far too many of these celebrations include alcohol and too often result in tragedy.  The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Traffic Safety and McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) would like to remind everyone driving on our roadways this holiday season to drive carefully and defensively, to not drive impaired and, most importantly, buckle up each and every trip.

“Safety belts are the single most important safety device in your vehicle and they have saved countless lives and prevented untold numbers of injuries over the years,” said Patrick McNulty, MCDH Public Health Administrator.  “We urge everyone driving on our state’s roads this holiday season to drive carefully, don’t drive impaired and, most importantly, buckle up each and every trip, day and night.”

During the Thanksgiving Mobilization, November 14-27, law enforcement will be out in full force throughout Illinois to remind drivers that wearing a safety belt costs you nothing but not wearing it could cost you a ticket – or worse, your life. 

All drivers and passengers, front and back seat, should wear safety belts, day and night.  Statistics show that those least likely to buckle up are teens, young adult males, passengers, motorists driving on rural roads and individuals traveling in pickup trucks – especially during the late-night hours. Late-night hours are when the highest percentage of motorists die in alcohol-involved crashes and the lowest percentage of vehicle occupants are wearing safety belts. 

Remember to buckle up every trip, every time and designate a sober driver.  

MCDH wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.  For more information about the Click It or Ticket campaign, visit www.buckleupillinois.org

Words of Wisdom

"Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations."

--George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

8:15 a.m.—Transportation Committee of McHenry County Board, meeting in the Division of Transportation Main Conference Room, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock.

A number of resolutions are being presented to the committee for consideration including:

• Approving an engineering services agreement and appropriating funds for the Noe Road Township Bridge Project;
• Approving an intergovernmental agreement wit the State of Illinois and appropriating funds for the Noe Road Township Bridge Project;
• Adopting McHenry County Snow and Ice Control Policy;
• Appropriating Funds For Ice Control Maintenance Materials;
• Approving An Intergovernmental Agreement with The State of Illinois and Appropriating Funds for the Modernization and Maintenance of Traffic Signals for Various County/State Route Intersections;
• Appropriating Motor Fuel Tax Funds Under the Illinois Highway Code In Compliance With The Illinois Department of Transportation.

Following a project status report and consideration of any old or new business, the Committee is expected to hold an executive session regarding meeting minutes, Land Acquisition, and Pending Litigation.

8:15 a.m. – Community Development Block Grant Commission, meeting in the Conference Room of the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Business to be considered by the Committee includes:

CDBG Grant Update-Discussion

CDBG Commission Bylaws-Discussion

School District 155 Board Meeting This Evening

School District 155 Board of Education

6:30 P.M. – Finance Committee –

Meeting in the District Office, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake

The Committee will consider a H.R/Financial Software Proposal as well as the Tentative Levy for 2011 and any other matters brought up by the Committee.

7:30 PM- Full Board of Education –

Meeting in the same location

Citizens wishing to address the Board are given an opportunity to do so before the Board handles other matters on the agenda.

Among those items is the resolution to adopt a tentative levy for 2011 and approval of Finance/Human Resource Software Proposal

Other matters for the board to handle include the list of resignation, retirements, dismissal and non-renewal of contracts for duties as well as coaching and extra-curricular assignments.

Superintendent Dr. Jill Hawk will provide the Board with a legislative update.

A period of time is provided for committee reports as well as any matters to be brought up by the Board members.

The Board is expected to adjourn for Executive Session for Student Discipline, Review of Tapes of meetings lawfully closed, appointment, employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal of Employee, and Collective negotiating matters between the School District and its employees or their representatives. Any action on these matters will be announced in open session before the Board adjourns. 

Words of Wisdom

"The first and governing maxim in the interpretation of a statute is to discover the meaning of those who made it."

 --James Wilson, Of the Study of Law in the United States, 1790

Government At Work

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2011 –

7:30 p.m.—Crystal Lake City Council –

Meets in the Crystal Lake Council Chambers, 100 West Woodstock Street.

Truth In Taxation Compliance

The first item on the agenda is a Truth in Taxation Compliance Procedural Requirement Resolution. The annual tax levy ordinance will be placed on the December 6 City Council Agenda for consideration.

The tax levy for the 2011 tax levy is approximately $14,407,648 compared with the levy for the current year at $14,011,066 and is estimated to be less than 105% of the aggregate extensions for the previous year.

Increase In Class “13” Liquor Licenses

The Council is being presented with a request to approve a Class “13” liquor license for The Fresh Market, a new establishment located at 6000 Northwest Highway. This license is for sale of packages only with no consumption of alcoholic liquors on the premises.

Raue Center For The Arts-New Sign

A 95 square foot lighted sign is to be displayed on the rear wall of the theater tower and will face Grant Street. The current marquee sign is not being replaced.

Iron Hand, LLC, 5831 Northwest Highway

Located in the former Great Escape store, Northwest Highway, east of Main Street, the new tenant of the space previously occupied by Buzz Lounge. Access to the establishment is from Heritage Drive.

The petitioner also intends to add a kitchen along with gaming equipment such as a pool table, golden tee, electronic darts and others.

The Council is being requested to approve the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation for approval.

Crystal Lake Bank and Trust

This is a request for a Final PUD Amendment and a Special Use Permit to allow an electronic message center sign at 5100 Northwest Highway.

This location is the northwest corner of Route 14 and Pingree Road and was formerly the location of Amcore Bank.

The matter was before the Planning and Zoning Commission where the height of the sign was reduced upon the request of the Commission. Also certain requirements are set regarding the changing of the messages and no streaming and/or live-time video may be displayed.

Special Use Permit for 95 S. Oriole Trail

Property owner Forrest and Helga Hare desired to construct a detached accessory structure greater than 600 square feet for a garage with the proposed addition to their property.

A variation was requested to allow the garage addition to be as close as 18 inches from the side property line instead of the required five foot side yard setback.

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3-4 to deny the request, expressing the opinion that the hardship was self-created and expressing the opinion that there was room elsewhere on the property to provide an enclosure for lawn mowing equipment.

If the Council should approve the request, a number of conditions are recommended including that the projection of the eave or overhand for the addition, will be at least six inches from the property line; the addition is to be consistent with the existing garage in style, building materials and colors; and all comments of the Planning and Economic Development, Engineering and building, Public Works, Fire Rescue and Police Departments are to be addressed by the petitioner. 

Submersible Pump Rehabilitation & Repair

The Council is being requested to award the proposal for Submersible Pump rehabilitation and repair work to the lowest responsible bidder for repairs to any defect or problem areas that arise from inspections of the six pumps at three lift stations. The total cost is not known until the inspections are accomplished.

Annual Intergovernmental Agreement With Dial-A-Ride

The Council is being requested to approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an intergovernmental agreement between McHenry County, City of Crystal Lake, City of McHenry and  City of Woodstock for the Annual Dial-A-Ride Transit Services in 2012 and an agreement with Pace for McHenry County Service Integration and Coordination Project.

Rakow Road Work Continues

All concrete paving work for Stage 1 is done and the asphalt placement is nearing completion.  Roadway striping and pavement marking on the newly constructed Rakow Road is proceeding this week -- but this does not mean the new lanes are open. 

Please continue to use the existing lanes and be mindful when making turns onto Rakow Road from the intersections.  All traffic will be moved onto the newly constructed south half of Rakow Road by the end of November, weather permitting. After the traffic switch, the contractor will start to remove the old pavement on the north half of Rakow Road.  

Please drive safely and be alert for the upcoming change in traffic patterns. And—don’t forget that the businesses on Rakow Road are still in operation. 

This scene is the location of Three Oaks Recreation Area (TORA) as partially visible on the right. The water on the left is more of the results of gravel mining. 

Manzullo Hearing On American Financial Help For Chinese Manufacturing

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia & the Pacific, will hold a hearing Tuesday investigating why the federal government is planning to spend American tax dollars to help make Chinese manufacturers more energy efficient at the expense of their American competitors.

The hearing, entitled “Feeding the Dragon: Reevaluating U.S. Development Assistance to China,” will begin at 11:30 am ET Tuesday, Nov. 15, in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing will also be webcast live on the Foreign Affairs Committee website at http://www.hcfa.house.gov.

The main topic of the hearing will be a program at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that would spend $3.95 million of U.S. taxpayer dollars to help China adopt clean energy technologies and policies, protect wildlife, and establish law school courses. Such a program would give Chinese manufacturers an even greater advantage against their American competitors, and Manzullo strongly believes the program should be eliminated.

The primary witness at the hearing will be Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Administrator for Asia at USAID