ICAN Media Center
Constituents In The Current And Future 4th Congressional District Express Concern That They’re Going “Out Of The Frying Pan And Into The Fire”
Business Owners, Physicians, Citizens Challenge Representatives Latham And King To Support Medicare & Medicaid For Seniors, Middle-Class Families Instead Of Tax Breaks For Super-Rich & Big
Report: Invert State Tax Structures To Eliminate State Budget Deficits
United for a Fair Economy Releases Flip It to Fix It: An Immediate, Fair Solution to State Budget Shortfalls, Documents Current Regressive State Tax Structures
Iowa And Illinois Advocates Educate Quad City Residents About New Health Care Law Six Months In
Report Shows Positive Effect on Iowa Economy and Job Growth as New Health Law Sends $9.5 Billion to Health Centers
Report: U.S. Senate's Inaction On Clean Energy Bill Costing U.S. 1.9 Million Jobs, Nearly 600,000 In States With Worst Unemployment Numbers
With U.S. Losing $260 Million a Day in Clean Energy Investments, More Than Half a Million Jobs Forfeited in 10 States With 10 Percent Unemployment or Higher
ICAN and AFR on Cloture Being Filed In the Senate
As the conference committee proceeds in the final stages of writing the financial regulatory reform bill, Iowans joined community leaders in 25 cities to deliver petitions today from thousands of constituents to members of Congress, urging them to pass historic Wall Street reform legislation now.
Iowa Residents and Activists Call on Senator Charles Grassley to Vote for Wall Street Reform
As the conference committee proceeds in the final stages of writing the financial regulatory reform bill, Iowans joined community leaders in 25 cities to deliver petitions today from thousands of constituents to members of Congress, urging them to pass historic Wall Street reform legislation now.
Iowans Send Message to Members of Congress: Main Street Has Its Eye on Wall Street Reform
As the conference committee proceeds in the final stages of writing the financial regulatory reform bill, Iowans joined community leaders in 25 cities to deliver petitions today from thousands of constituents to members of Congress, urging them to pass historic Wall Street reform legislation now.
Iowa Main Street Alliance Members Say Thank You To Senators Grassley and Harkin
A Vote for Financial Reform is a Vote for Main Street
What Wall Street Reform Means
Key Provisions Go a Long Way Preventing Another Financial Crisis
Senator Grassley Votes to Filibuster Comprehensive Financial Reform Despite Support of 60% of Americans
Iowa Citizen Action Network Strongly Supports Financial Reform and Calls on Grassley to Put the Needs of Main Street Above Wall Street
Iowans To Thank Rep. Boswell For His Historic Health Care Vote
Iowans will have the opportunity to thank Representative Leonard Boswell personally for his historic vote on health care reform. .
Iowa Main Street Alliance Members to Attend President Obama’s Speech in Iowa City Thursday
A delegation of Iowa small business owners has been invited to attend the President’s speech on health reform scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Iowa City. As members of the Iowa Main Street Alliance, these business owners represent over 500 small businesses in Iowa who have been working for health care reform for the past 20 months.
Iowa Reform Advocates Celebrate Health Care Bill-Signing with Rally and March
On Thursday March 25th at 10:00 am, in advance of President Obama's Iowa City visit, supporters of the newly enacted national health care reform legislation will rally with signs and chanting at the Iowa City Pedestrian Mall -- on the corner of College and Dubuque Streets.
Iowa Health Care For America Now And Partners Thank Congressmen For Voting To Pass Health Care Reform
With Historic "Yes" Vote, Representatives Boswell, Braley, and Loebsack Prove They Listen to Iowans and Are Willing to Stand Up for Them
Iowa Citizen Action Network & Health Care For America Now Statement On President Obama's Commitment To Heath Care Reform
Iowa Citizen Action Network as part of Health Care for America Now released this statement today following President Obama's remarks on health insurance reform.
Iowans Rally for Health Care Reform: We Voted for Change. Get It Done!
Demand Congress Listen to Voters, Not the Insurance Companies. Hundreds of Iowans from all walks of life arrived at the State Capitol with one demand in common: Health Care Reforms Now! Citizen groups from Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Iowa City converged on the State Capitol to act and stand in solidarity.
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.
Forum talks affordable health care for rural areas
Covers the rural and small business health care meeting in Grinnell.
Letter to the editor from Main Street Alliance member asking people to call Tom Latham and protect Medicare.
Op-ed: Ryan plan is a road to ruin
ICAN's Amy Logsdon on the Ryan budget and what it means for Iowa.
Guest commentary: Getting us back on track
ICAN and Iowa Main Street Alliance placed small business guest opinion on taxes in Saturday's Ames Tribune
Advocates say health care reform means better benefits, more coverage
Wednesday, at Community Health Care, Inc., in Davenport, Josephine Underwood, Campaign for Better Health Care's downstate organizing coordinator, said the reform means 32 million more people will have health insurance.
Quad City supporters and opponents weigh in on health care reform
Supporters of the Affordable Care Act gather to talk about the changes on Wednesday. Changes that will expand community health centers over the next five years. That will double the patient load to 40 million across the country.
Health-care advocates praise new provisions
The legislation promotes economic justice, according to Amy Logsdon, with the Iowa Citizen Action Network, Iowa City. More people with insurance coverage means an individual can more easily receive care at a medical clinic and turn around to purchase goods and services.
Health Insurance Changes Come Too Late for Some
Chris Peterson is all too familiar with the practice. The Clear Lake, Iowa, hog farmer not only had his health insurance policy rescinded in 2007, but several months later, his wife's policy was rescinded as well.
Small Businesses Prepare for Heath-Care Changes
Mr. Grgurich says he wasn't worried about the lack of coverage until he realized it could be "disastrous" to his start-up, Foundry Coworking LLC, a provider of collaborative office space in Des Moines, Iowa, "even if I broke a small bone."
Forum answers questions about health insurance reform
The forum was held by the Iowa Main Street Alliance, which is doing outreach and education for small-business owners around the state.
Citizen action group in DM to urge financial reform today
Iowans with finish-line tape will urge U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley to “get financial reform across the finish line” today.
Guest column: Urge protection for Main Street with financial reform
Business owners with the same questions gathered at a roundtable discussion organized by the Iowa Mainstreet Alliance on Monday night.
Small businesses to receive some benefits from Obama’s healthcare reform
Business owners with the same questions gathered at a roundtable discussion organized by the Iowa Mainstreet Alliance on Monday night.
Main Street Alliance offers alternative voice for small business
Our own ReShonda Young from Waterloo is profiled in this report.
FULL DISCLOSURE: New rules for campaign finance disclosure in Iowa
The state's campaign finance disclosure is good, but not good enough
President Visits Iowa City
President Obama stopped in Iowa City to celebrate passage of health care reform.
Supporters, protestors flock to Field House (removed by source)
Amy Logsdon, political director for the Iowa Citizen Action Network, said Thursday was the time to rally and march because "this is our victory."
Group Calls for Iowa Insurance Rate Reform
Senior advocates pushed Iowa lawmakers Tuesday to revive a measure designed to give consumers a greater voice in decisions about whether to increase health insurance rates.
Tax loopholes and credits eroding state budget, group says
Iowa lawmakers need to focus more upon corporate tax loopholes and tax credits instead of cutting services to Iowans, the Coalition for a Better Iowa (ICAN is a member) said today.
Capitol Digest: Revenue Repair Kit
The Coalition for a Better Iowa (ICAN is a member) urged state lawmakers to consider addressing a state budget shortfall from the revenue side rather than focusing solely on spending cuts to balance the fiscal 2011 ledger.
Call for Wellmark rate review questioned
Betty Ahrens, director of consumer watchdog group Iowa Citizen Action Network, said her group applauds Culver for calling for review. She's concerned about the close ties between INS Consulting and the state...
Quad-Citians stand up for health care by lying down
"Visualize what it actually means when we say people are dying prematurely from a lack of being able to access affordable, quality health insurance."
‘No one will go without food … because of the loss of a business tax credit,’ activist group says
Iowa legislators need to curb tax breaks to save money for services for vulnerable Iowans and to prevent cuts in teachers, human services field workers and other state jobs, an activist group that ICAN is part of said today.
Group says legislators should close tax credit “loophole”
The recently-formed “Coalition for a Better Iowa”, which ICAN is a member, is calling on legislators to close “loopholes” which they say let businesses claim millions in unwarranted tax credits.
Pass health care reform now, groups insist
A group health care reform advocates gathered at the Capitol today to demand congressional and state action.
Noon health rally at the Capitol
Several groups will rally at noon at the Capitol to “send a message to Congress that it’s time to deliver” health care reform.
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".
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. (link removed by source)
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.
Federal Health Reform Provides Critical Long-Term Help to States
Residents and governments of the 50 states and the District of Columbia will receive $849 billion in new federal funding for health coverage over the next decade under proposed federal health reform legislation.
Downcast Unemployment Forecast: Targeted Job Creation Policies Necessary to Offset Grim 2010 Projections (PDF)
The Economic Policy Institute's report on the unemployment crisis that compares where we were in 2007 when the recession began with where we were at the end of the third quarter in 2009 and where we expect to be at the end of the third quarter of 2010 when many expect unemployment to peak.
Main Street Policy Pulse: Small Business Views On Financial Reform (PDF)
Based on a survey of 1,237 small business owners from 13 states, this report assesses participating small businesses’ experiences with the economic recession and evaluates Main Street business owners’ views on financial reform. The survey found strong support among participating small business owners for financial reform and creation of a consumer financial protection agency.
Main Street Policy Pulse: Small Business Views On Financial Reform - Iowa Snapshot (PDF)
In Iowa, 101 small business owners participated in the survey on financial issues and financial reform. Respondents overwhelmingly believe that Congress should pass strong financial reforms, financial reforms are needed to ensure accountability on Wall Street, promote fair access to credit for small businesses and prevent another collapse. They also support creation of a Consumer Financial Protection Agency to supervise all bank and non-bank lenders.
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.
ICAN's Media Contact Information
If you are from the media, please use the following contact information (if you are not from the media, please use our Contact page):
For general inquiries
Use the following to contact us:
Telephone: 515-277-5077
E-mail: Media@IowaCAN.org
Please include the following in your message:
If you are calling about a specific issue
Contact the appropriate press contact:
Overall direction of the organization including financial management, staff supervision, affiliate relations and strategic planning
Sue Dinsdale
Executive Director
515.480.3240
SDinsdale@IowaCAN.org
Main Street Alliance small business health care, federal and state issues
Sue Dinsdale
Executive Director
515.480.3240
SDinsdale@IowaCAN.org
Civic Engagement Management Projects and Coalition for a Better Iowa work
Bridget Fagan
Civic Engagement Manager
515.707.1970
BFagan@IowaCAN.org
About ICAN
Iowa Citizen Action Network (ICAN) is a grassroots public interest organization and progressive political coalition committed to creating social change in Iowa and across the nation. ICAN has united Iowa's progressives for over 30 years and is leading efforts to change the public climate for progressive change. ICAN has nearly 40 organizational affiliates from a wide range of constituencies, including religious, community, labor, senior, family farm and environmental organizations, and over 6,000 individual members.