Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to a shooting that killed five people at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub:
“No matter where we’re from or who we love, we all deserve to feel safe in our communities. Today we mourn those killed in yet another senseless act of violence and call on hateful political rhetoric to stop.
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“No matter where we’re from or who we love, we all deserve to feel safe in our communities. Today we mourn those killed in yet another senseless act of violence and call on hateful political rhetoric to stop.
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Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to Zach Nunn claiming victory while votes are still being counted in Iowa’s third congressional district race:
(more…)A new study from Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Healthcare shows the economic impact of abortion restrictions on Americans.
(more…)“Iowans know that true freedom is the ability to get ahead by making the right decisions for ourselves and our families,” said Matt Sinovic, Executive Director of Progress Iowa. “But, MAGA Republicans like Kim Reynolds keep trying to control bodies and lives in Iowa by banning access to abortion. By doing so she would deny every Iowan access to economic freedom. Forcing people to give birth will put more folks under the poverty line, confine more victims in abusive relationships, and put more people at risk for more serious health conditions down the road. All consequences that Reynolds’ careless agenda refuses to acknowledge.”
Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to the October Jobs Report from Iowa Workforce Development:
(more…)“Iowans value hard work and know good paying jobs help Iowa grow. But Governor Reynolds’ policies are forcing Iowans to leave the state and harming those that choose to stay.
“Gov. Reynolds’ disastrous approach to education has made Iowans flee the state, with nearly 35% of Iowa college graduates moving to places like Illinois, Minnesota and California. The unemployment rate increased this month, despite there being far more job openings than there are unemployed Iowans.
“Iowa’s employment shortcomings are a direct result of Gov. Reynolds’ anti-worker policies that value corporations over hardworking Iowans. She stripped workers of their collective bargaining rights, an anti-union move that reverberates through the train stations and manufacturing plants of Iowa. She gutted unemployment benefits and blocked wage increases, forcing Iowa workers into jobs that don’t pay enough to support their families. She continues to value wealthy corporations over Iowans, allowing Iowa employers to steal over $900 million a year from an estimated 250,000 Iowa workers — about 1 in 7 workers and their families.
“Investing in working families is the best way to kickstart our economy, not by giving breaks to million dollar corporations. Iowans deserve a leader who values workers and ensures they’re paid what they’re owed.”
Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month:
(more…)“Safety in our communities and at home is sacred to Iowa families. But too often, partners and children face intimidation and violence under their own roofs. During the month of October, we stand with survivors and victims of domestic violence. In Iowa, 35 percent of women and 29 percent of men experience domestic violence, and from 2015 to 2020, 325 people were killed in domestic violence incidents. Domestic violence harms victims, survivors, children and even bystanders, and this month we call for changes to mitigate intimate partner violence.
“We appreciate the work that President Biden and Democrats in Congress have done to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and enact the Safer Communities Act this year. But we recognize that there is more to be done to keep families safe. While federal law prohibits domestic abusers from purchasing firearms, that law only applies if the abuser has been convicted of violence in a relationship, not if the abuser has a restraining order against them. This oversight means that dangerous abusers will still have access to guns, and we call for this loophole to be closed at the federal level.
“In Iowa, the gun amendment proposed by the Republican-led legislature to the state constitution will have untold consequences on sensible safety regulations, allowing dangerous abusers to access firearms and potentially carry them without limit. This reckless amendment will endanger the safety and lives of many victims and survivors, children and community members. We are firmly against the amendment, and encourage everyone to vote ‘No’.
“These proposed actions are not a solution, but merely common sense measures to create a safer society that each of us, including survivors of domestic violence, deserve.”
Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement ahead of tonight’s debate between Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Iowa Rep. Christina Bohannan:
(more…)“Iowans support growing and caring for our communities. That’s why we pay our taxes to support roads, schools, and public safety.
“But our towns still don’t have enough because Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks has prioritized wealthy corporations over us. It’s drying up our wallets and communities. Rep. Miller-Meeks had the chance to invest in our communities by voting for bills like the American Rescue Plan Act, the CHIPS Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. But instead, she voted no and called the bills a handout.
“Rep. Miller-Meeks had the chance to help strengthen our nation’s gun laws and make our communities safer. But she chose corporate donations and support from the gun lobby over the lives of children by voting against the Protecting Our Kids Act.
“Rep. Miller-Meeks played politics with the lives of our veterans and the care they deserve, originally voting against the PACT Act. While this bill eventually passed to expand health services for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits and Agent Orange, Miller-Meeks put Republican politics over people and stalled this lifesaving bill with her ‘no’ vote.
“Nearly every one of Rep. Miller-Meeks’ votes have created uphill battles for her constituents. We need leaders who will support working families, make wealthy corporations pay what they owe and keep our communities safe.”
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:
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