Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to Governor Kim Reynolds spearheading a letter to President Biden opposing his plan to forgive a portion of student loan debt for millions of Americans:
(more…)Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement calling for Iowa leaders to proclaim September as Labor Union Appreciation Month:
(more…)“Iowans work hard for their families and labor unions make sure those workers’ rights are protected.
“We owe unions for the eight-hour weekday, the two-day weekend, and plenty of other rights we all enjoy today. Americans’ approval of labor unions is at its highest point since 1965.
“Sadly, some Republican politicians are letting wealthy corporations walk all over us. Greedy CEOs are making record profits thanks to the hard work of our union brothers and sisters, but aren’t sharing the profits. To get the pay and benefits owed, workers keep having to protest their employers.
“Unions have fought for workers’ rights since the beginning. It’s time we fight for them. Iowa workers deserve leaders who will support them when they are in need. We’re calling on Iowa leaders to issue a proclamation recognizing September as Labor Union Appreciation Month. If you are a public employee in a contract covered position, we encourage you to sign up to be a member of your union. If you can organize in your workplace, we encourage you to do so. Workers are stronger when we stand together.”
Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s announcement that he will cancel up to $10,000 in student debt for borrowers who earn $125,000 a year or less and up to $20,000 for recipients of Pell Grants:
(more…)Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to the July Jobs Report from Iowa Workforce Development:
(more…)“Iowans know we all deserve a fair shot. But in Corporate Kim Reynolds’ Iowa, that’s just not possible.
“Today, Governor Reynolds will likely be touting that the state added 3,800 jobs in July, bringing the states’ unemployment rate to 2.5%. But those numbers lack important context.
“There are nearly double the number of open jobs in the state as there are unemployed Iowans. And those who are employed are still struggling to make ends meet. Local food banks are seeing record demand and about 1 in 7 working Iowa families do not earn enough to meet a basic-needs budget.
“Families shouldn’t have to choose between food and rent, but in Corporate Kim’s Iowa the only people with choices are the ultra rich and wealthy companies. She has provided them handouts and massive tax cuts, while at the same time slashing earned unemployment benefits, blocking wage increases and stripping workers of their collective bargaining rights.
“We need solutions that support workers and recognize our hard work. We don’t need more jobs, we need jobs that pay enough for people to take care of their families and afford the things they need.”
Read below for more information on the Iowa State Fair! Here’s what you need to know before heading out to get your favorite food on a stick:
1. NEW FAIR FOOD: We all know the number one reason most of us go to the fair is for the food. There are plenty of new fair foods to try this year, including the “OMG” Chicken Sandwich, Pork Picnic in a Cup and The Finisher. Don’t forget to download the Iowa State Fair Authority app to help you find all the tasty treats.
(more…)Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to Governor Kim Reynolds’ announcement that she has filed a motion to challenge an injunction on the Fetal Heartbeat Bill, while being represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, which has been designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center:
(more…)Iowans value our public educators, librarians, and our students receiving an honest and accurate education. Unfortunately, some Iowa Republicans have forgotten these values and are on a crusade against books and our educators. We have seen consistent attacks from some state lawmakers against diverse ideas and books, with the Iowa Senate President even introducing a law earlier this year that would have jailed educators for distributing books with diverse perspectives and stories.
(more…)Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to a new report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that the country added 528,000 jobs in July and the unemployment rate fell to 3.5%:
(more…)Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to the U.S. House passing the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022:
“No matter which part of Iowa we come from, most of us, including gun owners, support common sense gun laws like the Assault Weapons Ban passed today with bipartisan support.
“The bipartisan assault weapons ban would protect all of us from gun violence. When a similar ban was in place from 1994-2004, mass shooting fatalities were seventy percent less likely to occur. That’s why gun owners, including police, support laws that deliver freedom from gun violence and improve safety.
“Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, all three of Iowa’s Republican House members voted against this bipartisan bill. Rep. Cindy Axne was the only member of Iowa’s congressional delegation to support this legislation that would no doubt prevent gun violence and save lives.
“We are calling on Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst to honor the lives of those lost to gun violence and vote ‘yes’ on this legislation to keep our communities safe, prevent further tragedy, and deliver freedom from gun violence to Iowans.”
Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response calling on Iowa’s senators to vote in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act:
(more…)“Iowans believe that we all deserve dignity and respect, no matter our race, income or who we love.
“But last month, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing radical Republican state leaders to take away our fundamental right to an abortion reproductive healthcare. We knew it wouldn’t end there. Now, Justice Clarence Thomas is suggesting the Court reconsider rulings that protect same-sex and interracial marriage, as well as access to contraception.
“Now is the time to act. The U.S. House has already passed the Respect for Marriage Act, which would protect marriage equality. Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst will not commit to supporting the bill. We’re calling on them to vote “yes” on this important legislation when it comes to a vote in the Senate. We deserve lawmakers who value our fundamental rights, not those who simply shrug at efforts to protect them.”
Cyclists taking part in this year’s RAGBRAI will be able to see impacts of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan
Cyclists will be hitting the trails starting this weekend on the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. As they travel across the state, they will be able to see several of the ways funds from the American Rescue Plan have already positively impacted our state.
(more…)Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to a new Morning Consult Political Intelligence survey showing Gov. Reynolds is the 7th most unpopular governor in America:
(more…)