Finish Reform Right
Health care reform is at the finish line. It's up to us to make sure it's finished right. Because if the insurance companies win, we lose.
The health care bill in the Senate would tax middle class health benefits for the first time in history. The House health care bill instead asks the richest in society to chip in their fair share to pay for reform.
Call your Members of Congress today. Tell them to insist that the final health care bill taxes the wealthy to pay for health care reform - not the health insurance benefits of average working people. TAKE ACTION
Main Street
Alliance Targets Financial Reform
Iowa MSA brings small business voices into the debate over financial reform. READ MORE
Create Jobs And Stop The Bleeding!
In one month, one million Americans will lose their unemployment insurance unless Congress acts now. Read More
Most Recent Updates
- Affordable Health Care Is Still Priority After Massachusetts Election
- Industry Whistleblower Headlines Health Care Forum
- Groups To Announce Broad New Coalition, Push For Jobs Legislation
- ICAN presents statement to the Tax Credit Review Panel
- Iowans Thank Boswell for Health Care Vote & Urge Harkin to Champion Reform in Senate
Upcoming Events
About ICAN
ICAN is Iowa's largest grass roots consumer and environmental watchdog organization, with more than 6000 individual members across the state. ICAN is also an alliance of community, religious, labor, senior, farm, environmental and civil rights organizations -- a coalition that is working together to raise the living standards and improve the quality of life for all people in Iowa.
What we are working to achieve
Our Values ~ Our Work: Mission Vision and Strategy, Our Winning HistoryWho we are
Our Staff, Our Board of Directors, Our Affiliates ~ Our Partners,Other
Contact Us, Job Openings, Links to Friends and ResourcesFor the Media
Resources
Press Releases
Health Care Supporters Call on Rep. Braley To Finish Reform Now and Finish It Right
Iowa Residents and Businesses to Demonstrate Need For Good, Affordable Health Care Still Urgent
Health Care Supporters Call on Rep. Boswell To Finish Reform Now and Finish It Right
Iowa Residents and Businesses to Demonstrate Need For Good, Affordable Health Care Still Urgent
Iowa Health Care for America Now Reacts to Massachusetts Special Election Results
Need for Good, Affordable Health Care Is Same Today As It Was Yesterday
Small Business Owners Call For Congressional Hearings Into Ahip/U.S. Chamber "Fraud"
Today, small business owners from the Iowa Main Street Alliance joined small business coalitions across the country to call on Congress to hold hearings into the scope and extent of the "fraud" perpetrated by the health insurance industry through their trade group America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Media Advisory: Des Moines Forum to Reveal Current State of Health Reform
Former VP of CIGNA is Blowing the Whistle on Insurance Companies
On Friday December 18th at 7:00 pm, Wendell Potter will be the featured speaker at a health care forum that poses the question, “What is the status of national health care reform now?”
Iowa Health Care for America Now Thanks Senator Harkin for Voting to Proceed; Denounces Senate Republicans' Attempt to Block Debate
The Iowa Citizen Action Network (ICAN) as part of Health Care for America Now (HCAN)released a statement thanking Senator Harkin for voting for -- and criticizing Senator Grassley for voting against -- the motion to proceed which allows the Senate to debate health care reform legislation on the floor.
Iowans Thank Rep. Boswell for Health Care Vote & Urge Senator Harkin to Champion Reform in Senate
On Thursday, November 12th, local residents gathered at Simon Estes Amphitheater--near Representative Boswell's office--to thank him for siding with his constituents and not the health insurance industry by voting to pass the House health care bill last Saturday night.
New TV Ad: Health Care for America Now Thanks Representative Boswell for Historic Vote to Pass Health Care Reform
AFSCME Iowa Council 61 and the Iowa Citizen Action Network launched a new television ad today to publicly thank Representative Leonard Boswell (IA-3) for his historic 'yes' vote on the House of Representatives' health care bill--the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962).
Iowa Health Care for America Now Thanks Representatives Boswell, Braley, and Loebsack for Historic Votes on Health Reform Bill
Congressmen Boswell, Braley, and Loebsack have taken a great step for the people of Iowa in voting "yes" to pass the House's Affordable Health Care for America Act.
Sen. Grassley Raised More Than $150,000 Over the Summer From Health Care and Insurance Interests
Iowa and national campaign finance watchdogs ask: Who does Grassley represent?
Iowa Main Street Alliance: Iowans to "fly-in" to Washington DC for Health Care Reform
Iowa Main Street Alliance members to join with over 100 small business owners to make their voices heard on health care reform
Iowa Main Street Alliance: Iowa small business owners talk health care reform with Sen. Harkin
Iowa Main Street Alliance members participate in "Health Care Reality Tour" to highlight importance of health reform for small business and the local economy
"Stand Up For Main Street, Not K Street"; Iowa Small Businesses Push Public Option
Iowa Main Street Alliance business owners participate in Health Care Reality Tour with staff from Representative Loebsack's office.
Congressman Loebsack and Iowa Health Care for America Now Release Benefits of House Health Reform Bill
Press Conference Details Positive Impact of America's Affordable Health Choices Act On Local Small Businesses, Providers and Families.
Iowa Citizen Action Network: To unveil revenue proposals to fund comprehensive health care reform
Surcharge for the wealthiest Americans, Medicare tax reform, limiting itemized deductions could pay for quality, affordable health care for all with a robust public option -- while affecting few taxpayers.
Iowa Citizen Action Network: Report highlights need for racial justice in health care reform
New report highlights need for racial justice in health care reform. Iowa Health Care for America Now details health disparities and emphasizes opportunity for equality in legislation.
Iowa Health Care for America Now: New report to highlight need for racial justice in health care reform
Media conference call to release new report highlights need for racial justice in health care reform. Iowa Health Care for America Now details health disparities and emphasizes opportunity for equality in legislation.
In The News
2 Iowans help push health debate
ICAN's Amy Logsdon quoted on making our voices heard on health care.
Coalition for a Better Iowa: New coalition to seek 'balanced approach' on state finances
ICAN is a statewide coalition member of One Iowa.
150,000 Iowans To Oppose Marriage Constitutional Change
ICAN is a statewide coalition member of One Iowa.
Panel hears arguments for, against Iowa tax credits
The problem, according to Amy Logsdon, political director of the Iowa Citizen Action Network, is that from 2006-11 state revenues have remained basically flat while tax credits have increased from $144 million to $497 million.
Tax credit hearing draws comment from both sides
Amy Logsdon with the Iowa Citizen Action Network says tax incentives should not be a priority because there’s a half billion dollar gap in the state budget.
Tax credit secrets problematic?
Iowans have a right to know which businesses obtain tax credits, some speakers at a hearing going on in Cedar Raids[sic] have said.
Even if health bill passes soon, wait for reforms could be long
The bill the Senate begins debating this week could be setting Americans up for disappointment: Some of the main reforms would not take place for several years, and even when they do, some observers, including ICAN executive director Betty Ahren, say, the bill does too little to make sure they would be enforced.
Local Group Talks Campaign Finance Reform for Iowa
With the 2010 elections right around the corner, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, along with ICAN, is taking aim at Iowa campaign finance reform by lobbying for both campaign contribution limits and a public financing option for state politicians.
USDA names Iowa Farm Service Agency committee members
Matt Russell former ICAN community organizer is among five USDA appointees to the Iowa Farm Service Agency State Committee.
Small business owners crash today's insurance lobby conference in Chicago
Small business owners from across the country, including ReShonda Young of Alpha Express, Waterloo, Iowa, are crashing today's fall conference of the health insurance lobby in downtown Chicago.
Despite Capitol jeers, Braley proud of stance
And a captioned photo
Harkin touts health reform advantages for small businesses
U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin met with several small business owners this weekend to draw attention to the benefits of health care reform for those owners and the self-employed.
Health Costs: Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Coverage
Senator Tom Harkin met with Central Iowans at Hiland Park Hardware in Des Moines Friday to talk about health care reform.
Harkin takes pitch for health care on the road
As debate continues in Washington on health reform legislation, Iowa small business owners will tell their stories to Senator Harkin on Friday and Saturday during "Health Care Reality Tour".
Business owners talk health care
Three Iowa City business owners on Tuesday discussed health care with Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, as part of a "National Small Business Day of Action" organized by the Main Street Alliance.
News at Midday
Iowa Main Street Alliance members are participating in a "health care reality tour." Their goal is to show how the health reform can affect small business and the local economy.
Health Care Reform Backers Rally In DM
About 140 people frustrated with health insurance companies said they want lawmakers to know that they support a public option.
Small-Business Group Forges an Alliance for Health Care Reform
After years on the sidelines of the health care debate, progressive small-business owners held rallies and news conferences and showed commercials to shore up sympathetic legislators.
Boswell: Democrats should move forward on health care without GOP if necessary
Boswell said he is hopeful meaningful health care reform can pass with bipartisan support, but indicated Democrats should move forward without the help of GOP lawmakers if that is what it takes.
Boswell: Democrats should move forward with health care reform without Republicans if they have to
Video: Congressman Dave Loebsack speaks out as he gets ready for a series of town hall meetings on health care.
Health care protesters rally outside Loebsack's office in Iowa City.
Health-care debate expected to heat up in Iowa
Health care protesters rally outside Loebsack's office in Iowa City.
Three Ways to Pay For Health Care Without Hurting the Hurting
Iowa Citizen Action Network to unveil revenue proposals to fund comprehensive health care reform
Sen. Hatch: Report shows Iowa minorities adversely impacted by health system
Iowa Health Care for America Now: New report to highlight need for racial justice in health care reform
Want health care as good as Senator Grassley's? Apply for a job with the federal government!
Grassley job application action making the rounds on Iowa blogs
Follow Grassley's advice to find affordable health care
Grassley job application action making the rounds on Iowa blogs
Can grassroots groups influence Grassley?
Progressives hope to pressure Iowa's senior senator on health care reform.
Guest column: Start tipping health-care 'playing field' to consumers
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Action Alerts
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Publications
American Jobs Plan: A Five Point Plan to Stem the US Jobs Crisis
The Economic Policy Institute proposes the American Jobs Plan, a plan that would create at least 4.6 million jobs in one year.
Center for Community Change's Community Jobs Program (PDF)
A central component of the Jobs for American Now coalition’s 5-point plan is direct job creation through the public sector. The Community Jobs Program developed by the Center for Community Change and other coalition partners puts $40 billion in federal investment to work rebuilding communities and restoring dignity to families.
National Minimum Medical Loss Ratio Would Save Tens of Billions of Dollars For Businesses, Individuals
A Main Street Alliance Report. A new minimum medical loss ratio and requirements that health insurance plans conform to standardized benefits packages would save significant sums and end industry practices to game the system and sidestep legitimate medical costs.
What Health Care Reform Really Looks Like: Health Reform (under House Bill, HR 3200)
In light of all the lies, distortions, and misinformation that have been spread about health care reform, Health Care for America Now has created a chart to show how the health care system would really work under America's Affordable Health Choices Act.
Three Proposals to Pay for Health Care Reform: Impacts on People in Your State
Iowa Citizen Action Network and Citizens for Tax Justice released a new report that lays out options for paying for quality, affordable health care reform that includes a public health insurance option.
Health Insurance Coverage in Iowa Keeps Shrinking as Premiums, Family Costs Continue Climbing
Skyrocketing premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs are battering family budgets, eroding U.S. competitiveness in the global economy and threatening the American standard of living.
BAD MEDICINE: The President's Medicaid Regulations Will Weaken Iowa's Economy
FamiliesUSA's April 2008 report outlines not only the potential human impact of these regulations, particularly on children and people with disabilities, but also how the regulations will cause serious and quantifiable harm to state economies.
Failing Grades: State Consumer Protections in the Individual Health Insurance Market
Iowa's state consumer protections for individuals in the health insurance market lead to the growing problem of the uninsured.
First Things First
The proposed 2008 budget released by the President will have far reaching impacts on Iowans if enacted.
Are We Investing in our Children?
A State of the State Report on Iowa's Children.
Are We Investing in our Workers?
A State of the State Report on Iowa's Workers.
Does Work Pay?
A report on the status of housing affordability in Iowa, from the Iowa Coalition on Housing and the Homeless.
We Must Invest in Iowa's Future
ICAN and USAction release report demonstrating that new investments in the areas of education, health care, and energy policy are necessary to address the unmet needs of Iowans.