Progress Iowa executive director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to the Legislative Services Agency submitting their first redistricting map to Iowa’s legislature:
(more…)“Iowa has long been a model for the nation with our non-partisan redistricting, and we hope this continues as the legislature will soon review the first map from the Legislative Services Agency. Iowans believe that we along with our friends, family, and neighbors pick our leaders. That’s why it’s crucial that the Republican controlled legislature respect their constituents, resist political gerrymandering, and adopt the maps prepared by the LSA to ensure Iowa’s districts are fair and non-discriminatory.“
“Iowans are watching their leaders, and expect the politicians in control of the legislature to continue with the transparent redistricting process, despite voter suppression becoming a trend as of late. Our communities deserve to remain whole, Iowans deserve to be listened to, and we expect our leaders to be chosen by Iowans, not politicians.“
In columns, news stories, media, and events across the state, Iowans are urging Representative Ashley Hinson to stop hiding from constituents and her record.
Constituents of U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson held public town hall meetings this week in Dubuque and Cedar Rapids with empty chairs for the Congresswoman, after she rejected their invitation to participate in two different open discussions with Iowans. Following the empty chair town hall on Tuesday, August 31 at Greene Square Park in Cedar Rapids, constituents visited Rep. Hinson’s office and questioned her staff on the absence in Linn County. Video of this encounter can be found here.
(more…)Progress Iowa released legislative report cards today, to provide an update for Iowans regarding their elected officials and their progress. Unfortunately, Rep. Hinson, Miller-Meeks, and Feenstra failed Iowans on a wide array of issues important to our community.
(more…)Republican Gov. Holcomb describes mask mandates as “wise” while Reynolds gaslights her constituents; Progress Iowa calls on Governor to reverse decision before children are put in danger
As the school year approaches and parents worry about spiking COVID-19 cases in Iowa and across the country, the Republican Governor of Indiana is putting politics aside and continuing to empower schools to determine whether to mandate masks.
(more…)Patriots believe that America’s strength comes from our ability to work together. No matter where we come from or what our color, patriots believe we can make this a place where freedom is for everyone, no exceptions.
Patriots want to make it as easy as possible for every American to exercise our right to vote.
Patriots contribute our fair share in taxes for our public schools, roads, clean drinking water, health care, and more.
Patriots believe in an honest education about our history, even when it’s critical, so we can learn from the past and create a better future together.
Patriots respect every American’s right to express our faith, and believe faith should never be used as an excuse for discrimination.
Patriots believe the American dream is big enough for every citizen, and everyone who aspires to come to our country in pursuit of a better life.
Patriots celebrate our independence year-round, by participating in our democracy, standing together across race and place, to fight for the country we all deserve.
Local and national organizations released the annual Iowa LGBTQ Media Guide today, to provide accurate information and encourage appropriate representation of the LGBTQ community in the media. One Iowa, Iowa Safe Schools, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, GLAAD, and Progress Iowa jointly released the guide, which can be viewed by clicking here.
(more…)Two recent reports show a sputtering Iowa economy after years of attacks on working families under Republican leadership.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Iowa lost jobs again in April, as our economic recovery from the pandemic continues to fall behind other states. And Moneywise rated Iowa as one of the worst states when considering residents fleeing the state. The two reports come after five years of Republican control in state government that has seen the stripping away of worker’s rights, underfunding of education, and a partisan, ideological approach to health care and social policy.
(more…)Progress Iowa is demanding that public records be released to uncover the extent to which right wing organizations and corporations influenced Iowa’s legislative process this year.
We made our requests earlier today, following claims made last week by Heritage Action, an out of state, conservative group, that they “worked quietly” with the Iowa state legislature to pass a voter suppression law earlier this year.
(more…)The Republican controlled Legislature adjourned for the session just before midnight last night, after a final 48 hours of horror, passing legislation to end the session with a complete regard to the health and wellbeing of Iowans. In response, organization leaders, elected officials, and advocates are speaking out against the reckless decision making, highlighting that Iowans will have to pay the price.
(more…)Progress Iowa executive director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to the Iowa Senate passing House File 813, the expansion of charter schools:
(more…)“Iowa families want their children to receive the best education possible. Allowing shadowy, out of state charter schools run rampant and profit from Iowa tax dollars undermines our public schools and chips away at the foundation of what makes our state great.”
The votes have been cast and the bracket has been set. This year’s Iowa ‘Extreme 16’ listing the most extreme legislative proposals introduced during the 2021 session is published here. The voter suppression bill dominated the competition as the worst bill, taking the top seed in a field with stiff competition to round out the ‘Extreme 16’ bracket.
(more…)At a Judiciary Committee meeting yesterday, Senator Grassley read a prepared opening statement comparing Black Lives Matter demonstrations to the mass shootings that have occurred in the past week. You can watch Senator Grassley’s statement by clicking here.
(more…)