DES MOINES – Thursday morning working class Iowans will demand that Governor Branstad and elected officials use the state’s $1 billion surplus to invest in all Iowans, not just in tax breaks for big corporations and the 1%. The press conference is being organized by the Coalition for a Better Iowa, a broad coalition of Iowa organizations representing children, seniors, faith, human service providers, research, advocates, labor and environmental organizations, as well as engaged Iowa citizens.
“Iowa’s budget surplus, cash reserves and rainy day funds now total almost $1 billion. This leaves us with two choices: one choice will make Iowa a better place overall and the other perpetuates the status quo and does not benefit everyday Iowans,” said Adam Mason, State Policy Organizing Director for Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement.
Coalition for a Better Iowa members will come together to promote the shared prosperity of all Iowans –For a Better Iowa. Iowa needs quality education, health care, safe communities and a sustainable environment, as well as qualified individuals at the state and local level to provide those services.
“With our current budget surplus, elected officials need to understand what so many Iowans and local communities already know: The time for cuts is over.” Said Sue Dinsdale, Executive Director of Iowa Citizen Action Network. “We can afford to invest in our public services, in education, and in our infrastructure.”
WHEN: Thursday, October 4, 2012
10:00 am
WHERE: Iowa State Capitol, Room 116
WHO: Lt. Bob Suarez, Des Moines Firefighter
Sue Dinsdale, Iowa Main Street Alliance and small business owner
Health Care Provider
Michelle Bartusek, EITC Program Coordinator, Iowans for Social and Economic Development (ISED)
Members of the Coalition for a better Iowa
The mission of the Coalition for a Better Iowa is to maintain and strengthen high quality public services, programs and structures that promote thriving communities and prosperity for all Iowans. The Coalition for a better Iowa is a broad coalition of Iowa organizations representing children, seniors, faith, human service providers, research, advocates, labor and environmental organizations, as well as engaged Iowa citizens.
Coalition Members:
AFSCME Iowa
Child and Family Policy Center
Communications Workers of America, Iowa State Council
Every Child Counts
Every Child Matters in Iowa
Interfaith Alliance of Iowa
Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans
Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children
Iowa Citizen Action Network
Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement
Iowa Community Action Association
Iowa Environmental Council
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
Iowa Policy Project
Iowa Public Health Association
Iowa State Education Association
Linn County Child Development Center
National Association of Social Workers, Iowa Chapter
One Iowa
Planned Parenthood of the Heartland
Progress Iowa
RESULTS
Service Employees International Union, Local 199
Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa
Women for Change
