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Governor Pat Quinn Approves Bill to Create Illinois State Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS Prevention Messages Targeting Youth

Governor Pat Quinn last week approved legislation that creates a new state advisory council to help state government develop effective HIV/AIDS prevention messages targeting youth.

The legislation, House Bill 3974 sponsored by State Representative Cynthia Soto (D-Chicago) and State Senator William Delgado (D-Chicago) would create the Advisory Council on Youth HIV/AIDS Prevention Messages to advise the Illinois Department of Public Health on effective prevention messages to deter youth from engaging in risky behaviors that lead to HIV/AIDS infections.

“The percentage of Illinois HIV/AIDS infections that is represented by youth has been growing enormously over the last eight years, and that growth, in part, represents a failure of HIV/AIDS prevention messages to effectively reach youth” said Cathy Krieger, President & CEO of The Children’s Place Association based in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood.

“We are grateful to Governor Quinn that he recognizes the problem of youth HIV/AIDS infections and is acting to address the problem.”

On February 27, 2009, at the 2nd annual Illinois Youth & HIV/AIDS Forum sponsored by The Children’s Place Association, the Illinois Department of Public Health presented data that revealed that the youth proportion of reported HIV/AIDS infections in Illinois has grown from 10% in 2000 to 20% in 2008—a 100% increase.

“This is a staggering increase,” said Krieger.

In addition to the IDPH data, new research was presented by Dr. Dexter Voisin, an Associate Professor, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration that examined the attitudes of Chicago-area college students in seven focus groups, including blacks, Latinos, whites, males, females, and gay men—regarding HIV/AIDS prevention messages.

The research findings revealed all groups reported a significant reduction in the intensity, range, and the length of media messages on HIV prevention and testing over the last 5 years.

More specifically, the research showed that young blacks and Latinos in Chicago tend to distrust most sources of government information on HIV/AIDS prevention. And young Latina women in Chicago fear getting an HIV/AIDS test out of concern that they may be labeled negatively as “fast” women.

Additionally, all respondents said they would be likely to take their parents seriously if they spoke to them about sex and HIV/AIDS transmission.

Of the 50 students who participated in the focus group research—only one had been tested for HIV/AIDS.

“The bottom line is that AIDS awareness initiatives and media prevention messages targeted at young people in Chicago – and African-Americans and Latinos in particular – are not working,” said Krieger. “We think the advisory council approved by Governor Quinn is a good step to address the problem.”

The Children’s Place Association is Illinois’ only child welfare agency exclusively dedicated to the care of HIV/AIDS infected children and families in Illinois.

Via EPR Network
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E-Government, Education, Events & Programs, Government, Government Agency, Online, Projects, Society

New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons Awards Contract to WeInterpret.Net

We Interpret.Net has signed a contract with the New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons. Their local office is located at 6100 Seagull St. NE Suite B105 (Seagull Office Plaza) in Albuquerque, NM. We Interpret.Net along with is partner company, We Interpret Linked, both headquartered in the state of Maryland has been providing Sign Language Interpreting services since 1996 primarily on the East Coast. This new contract affords the citizens of New Mexico with state wide quality interpreting service coordination, internship opportunities for new interpreters, education and outreach, and emergency hospital service coordination in Las Cruces.

weinterpret

WeInterpret.Net is also a sponsor for Continuing Education Credits through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. In addition to the management staff, full time interpreters, both Deaf and Hearing, will be hired. Individuals who would like to sub contract to provide Interpreting services are encouraged to register at www.WeInterpret.Net.

Appropriate communication methods vary by individual and We Interpret.Net can provide interpreters skilled in American Sign Language, Signed English, The Rochester Method, Cued Speech, Oral Interpretation and Tactile Methods for the Deaf/Blind individuals. In specific areas of New Mexico interpreters are in short supply. In addition to the on-site interpreters who will be directed from this office, there is a call center in Owings Mills, Maryland to provide Video Interpreting in the rural parts of the state. “Office staff who are also certified interpreters, along with our Video Interpreting solution allow the agency to respond to every request with qualified interpreters even on the busiest of days or during the overnight and weekend hours.” Stated Deb McKerrow, Director of New Mexico opperations.

About WeInterpret.Net
Maryland Interpreting Services, a Maryland corporation doing business as We Interpret.Net (www.WeInterpret.Net) and We Interpret Linked (www.WeInterpretLinked.com) was established in 1996. Owner and President, David Stephenson is a nationally certified interpreter. Since its establishment, it has provided some 6 million hours of interpreting services to some 900 customers through offices in Utah, Virginia, Maryland and New Mexico. Staff Interpreters and Independent Sub-Contractors numbering over 1000 provide on-site and Video Remote Interpreting.

About New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons
The State of New Mexico, Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons provides effective leadership, education, advocacy and programs to reduce barriers to the social, economic, educational, cultural and intellectual well – being of Deaf and Hard of Hearing New Mexicans and their families, friends and colleagues. (www.cdhh.state.nm.us).

Via EPR Network
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Election, Events & Programs, Online, Projects, Society, Voters

Leading AML Service Integrates Full Electoral Register

The full 2009 Electoral Register has now been integrated into the Tracesmart anti-money laundering (AML) identity check service. The inclusion of the full 2009 Electoral Register, one of the many positive datasets the system interrogates, will ensure as many legitimate individuals as possible are cleared by the ID check at the first instance.

Tracesmart Corporate‘s AML service allows users to perform identity checks that help them to fulfil their AML ‘Know Your Customer‘ obligations, and it meets the standards set for electronic verification prescribed by the Joint Money Laundering Steering Group (JMLSG).

The UK Electoral Register has two formats – the edited Electoral Register which is available for any commercial use, but does not contain the entire UK electorate as individuals are able to ‘opt out’; and the full Electoral Register which can only be used by companies for credit referencing and anti-money laundering purposes, but contains the entire UK electorate.

Utilising the full 2009 Electoral Register will enhance the pass rate of legitimate individuals at the initial check stage. Historically, the system utilised edited Electoral Register data as part of the identity check, which whilst highly accurate, could marginally affect the initial check pass rate, due to the opt-out clause; this meant further checks – such as document verification – would have to be conducted. Chris Rothwell, Sales Director at Tracesmart, highlighted how the addition of the full Electoral Register will make for quicker identity checks.

“The integration of the full 2009 Electoral Register into our AML system, means that our service users can now swiftly and efficiently identify more of their clients without requesting additional documentation. However, the ability to verify identity documents such as passports, driving licences, credit or debit cards and utility bills, has been preserved in case further checks are required. The system ensures that identity checks are conducted in a business friendly manner, whilst also meeting anti-money laundering obligations.” 

This latest update to the AML service follows on f r o m the recent introduction of a ‘single click’ search interface. Previously, users had to build the identity profile of an individual by searching d a t a s e t s and verifying details through a multi-tabbed interface. Whilst many Tracesmart clients found this interface conducive to their business needs, customer feedback indentified the need for a ‘single click’ check. Mike Trezise, Managing Director at Tracesmart, believes this customer-centric approach to service development is one of the company’s strongest points. 

“We have always believed it to be truly important that there is a constant dialogue between ourselves and our clients, especially concerning the services themselves. After all, it’s our clients that use the systems day in, day out, so it essential that their needs are fulfilled. As such, Tracesmart will continue to listen to its customers, front-line staff and market research, to develop its services accordingly.”

 

Access to the full Electoral Register data, via Tracesmart’s AML service, is only available to companies who meet strict data protection pre-requisites.

About Tracesmart

  • Tracesmart Limited was formed in 1999 and supplies a diverse range of consumer data cleansing, identity check and tracing tools to a wide variety of industries. Their client base ranges f r o m SME to Blue Chip, who are all recipients of bespoke solutions, built around their specific needs.
  • Chris Rothwell, Tracesmart’s Sales Director, previously worked in both the financial markets and tracing industry. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Chris is well placed to head up the corporate sales team.
  • Mike Trezise is the founder and Managing Director of Tracesmart. With over 25 years tracing and fraud analysis experience, his unrivalled knowledge provides the company with a distinct competitive advantage.
Federal Government, Government, Government Agency, Housing, Issues, Law, Legislative Power, Legislature, Policy, Politics, Projects, Social

Dr. Michael W. Cantrell, Sr. the visionary behind The Federal Housing Recovery Plan (FHRP) believes that once enacted, the FHRP will enable the housing industry to recover in less than 24 months from the date of its implementation

Dr. Michael W. Cantrell, Sr. the visionary behind The Federal Housing Recovery Plan (FHRP) believes that once enacted, the FHRP will enable the housing industry to recover in less than 24 months from the date of its implementation. It will allow people who own a primary residential home the opportunity to save their home from foreclosure, ensure that property values will not decline due to the restructuring of loans, and mostly it will protect the everyday citizen and taxpayer from having to foot the bill for a bail-out plan and instead will secure the value of their homes.

The Federal Housing Recovery Plan is designed to bring liquidity to the markets and make at-risk securities more valuable and buyable on the open market; therefore lessening the effect of government involvement. The securities backed by this plan would inevitably yield a 102% increase in face value. Most importantly, it will not drive down the market prices of homes in and around the neighborhoods of people who do not require the assistance of FHRP and they will not be affected by the restructuring of FHRP Mortgages.

A brief example of how FHRP Mortgages will work –

Problem:
An individual or family owes $150,000.00 to their current lender and property values decline by 20% (on average) reducing the value of their property by roughly $30,000.00, and this individual or family cannot effectively pay their mortgage at the current rate of interest, but also cannot refinance their property due to the declining market values. However, they can afford to pay a portion of the mortgage loan payment every month, but that is not enough for their lender.

Solution:
The Government, through the FHRP would buy this mortgage for .62 on the dollar. This, in turn, would free up the liquidity of the banks or investment firms that otherwise would write off this type of loan to zero dollars; thus allowing funds to flow for the institution to lend more money.

The FHRP Mortgage Representative would negotiate the mortgage payment terms with the homeowner(s) to an amount they could afford monthly enabling them to stay in their home. The original mortgage loan would be back figured to a first lien mortgage that was agreed upon-becoming an FHRP Mortgage.

The difference between the old and new loan amounts would be held by an FHRP Mortgage Bond for up to 15 years with no interest due and be recorded as a second lien on the property. This lien would be required to be paid off when the property is sold or refinanced at or prior to the maturity date.

Conclusion:
The Federal Housing Recovery Plan enables the family to stay in their home, make affordable monthly payments, and not reduce the mortgage amount thus not reducing the value of other homes in their neighborhood.

The new mortgage at the lower negotiated amount now becomes valuable for servicing because the family is consistently paying their mortgage payments. When people are paying on their mortgages, banks and investment firms would be inclined to buy these FHRP Mortgages because they know they are secure.

Dr. Cantrell believes that in 15 years or less the housing market will rise to the point that their property value would also rise above their first and second mortgage liens. The family’s income will rise during this 15 year period also and will allow their credit to cure so they may be able to refinance the FHRP Mortgage and the government held second lien FHRP Mortgage Bond with traditional institutional banks, mortgage bankers… etc.

The second liens will be securitized by United States Savings Bonds. FHRP Mortgage Bonds will be sold to the general public, not companies, for .75 on the dollar. The Treasurer would determine when the bonds would pay out at 100%.

This is a short version of Dr. Cantrell’s plan to bring this country out of its current turmoil and bring the foreclosure rate down to about 1.5%.

Dr. Cantrell has been working in the mortgage industry for almost 20 years starting out as a mortgage broker in 1989, then working his way through the industry closing loans and selling bundles of quality mortgage loans to investment institutions on the secondary mortgage market. While other lending institutions began offering interest only loans and option arms – his company did not, as they knew this new way of lending with a potential negative amortization would lead to disaster in the long term.

Dr. Wald Carum of Almeda University recently had this to say about Dr. Cantrell’s FHRP: “This Plan demonstrates a breadth and depth of knowledge about its subject that can only come from a true outside the box thinker and experienced businessman. Drawing upon his life experience as well as his training as an MBA, Dr. Cantrell has constructed a workable and simple plan to help America out of its current housing crisis. In this nearly unprecedented time of financial turmoil, Dr. Cantrell recognizes that the essence of the problem and the solution lie within the housing market. As Dr. Cantrell succinictly theorizes, “The Federal Housing Recovery Plan is designed to bring liquidity to the markets and make at-risk securities more valuable and buyable on the open market; therefore lessening the effect of government involvement.” The last phrase is key to avoiding a slide into socialism. Dr. Cantrell’s plan maintains the predominance of capitalism and the free market system while allowing “the family to stay in their home, make affordable monthly payments, and not reduce the mortgage amount thus not reducing the value of other homes in their neighborhood.” Congress would do well to give Dr. Cantrell’s plan a thorough consideration and hearing. It makes more sense than anything I’ve read the past two months. I applaud Dr. Cantrell for his excellent efforts, for which he richly deserves his doctorate degree from Almeda University.” Wald Carum, PhD

Dr. Cantrell states “I look at this FHRP as a way to right a wrong. I have been on both sides of the fence. The banks and investment firms got on the wrong side of the fence and we now have to correct it. I offer my extensive knowledge to bringing this back into the right perspective and am very passionate about helping America out of this crisis.”

America is angry. Especially the 90% of people who are able to make their payments on time and are watching the value of their homes continuing to decline due to foreclosures that are selling for .50 on the dollar. This plan will reduce or eliminate declining home values. It will close the Gaps, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA now in place and will bring confidence to the general public that their housing values will remain stable, and their investments, 401Ks and retirement plans that are tied to the financial market will also recover. This is a true recovery plan.

FHRP Mortgage and FHRP Mortgage Bonds must become a reality – our future depends on it. This plan can start working in as little as 90 days. Contact Dr.Michael W. Cantrell, Sr. mcantrell@fhrpmtg.com or visit the website for a free copy www.fhrpmtg.com for more information on this plan that he hopes will get before the right government officials quickly. For a more detailed example or a copy of frequently asked questions please contact Michael Cantrell or his virtual assistant Marie Tucker of Girl Friday Services of Maine at girlfridayservices08@yahoo.com or visit www.fhrpmtg.com.

Dr. Michael W. Cantrell, Sr. has the experience, knowledge and information on exactly how we can turn the troubled housing market into a booming housing market.

Get the full plan www.fhrpmtg.com or email mcantrell@fhrpmtg.com. 

Via EPR Network
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