“Iowans for Tax Fairness” Launched by Progress Iowa to Demand End to Tax Breaks for Wealthiest 2 Percent

DES MOINES, IOWA – On Wednesday, organizers with the statewide advocacy group Progress Iowa launched ‘Iowans for Tax Fairness’ and called on Iowa’s Members of Congress to end tax breaks for wealthy Americans. Iowa taxpayers are already taking action and sending a message to their elected leaders: put the middle class ahead of millionaires and end tax breaks for the wealthiest two percent. Progress Iowa, AFSCME Iowa Council 61, Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans, Iowa Citizen Action Network, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Working Families Win, SEIU Local 199, and Citizens for a Healthy Iowa launched the campaign today in partnership with the national coalition group The Action.

“For months, Republicans in Congress have held the middle class hostage to tax cuts for the wealthiest two percent of Americans,” said Matt Sinovic, executive director of Progress Iowa. “We’re giving everyday Iowans the power to demand action from their Member of Congress, and make sure all Americans pay their fair share.”

The issue campaign features a new website launched today, located at www.iowansfortaxfairness.com. The site hosts a petition to Iowa Members of Congress, and allows activists to organize and find events in their area. Two events are already planned for this Saturday; in Ames at 12:00 p.m. outside the office of Rep. Tom Latham and in Des Moines at 3:30 p.m. outside the office of Sen. Chuck Grassley. The events are part of a national day of action, and future events will include the delivery of petition signatures from constituents.

“Congressman Latham and Senator Grassley both have the power to work within their party and demand a vote to end the Bush tax breaks for the wealthiest two-percent,” said Sinovic. “It’s time for them to put the needs of Iowans above the needs of Wall Street.”

Progress Iowa, AFSCME Iowa Council 61, Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans, Iowa Citizen Action Network, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Working Families Win, SEIU Local 199, and Citizens for a Healthy Iowa are working in partnership with the national coalition group The Action. For more information, visit www.iowansfortaxfairness.com or www.theaction.org.