Where Are My Taxes Going?
By Meshawn Ayala, Iowa PIRG Citizen Outreach Director
A
thought occurred to me as I prepared my taxes -- where is my money
going? Will my taxes pay for the best safety equipment and supplies for
the troops or will it be wasted by companies like Halliburton?
How much does behind-the scenes lobbying by special interests cost us?
Sadly,
the costs are high. At least $10 billion dollars have been wasted
on overpriced contracts or undocumented costs in Iraq while those
returning home received substandard care. Halliburton alone is
responsible for $2.7 billion dollars of this wasted money. Our taxes
should not go towards lining the pockets of the politically connected.
This
spring we have a real chance of passing strong lobby reform in the
House which would help hold special interests and their lobbyists more
accountable. You can help now by asking Speaker Pelosi to make sure the
house introduces strong lobby reform legislation.
To take action, click on the link below or paste it into your web browser:
https://www.uspirg.org/action/money-politics/email?id4=ES
Then ask your friends and family to do the same by forwarding this email to them.
Background
Together
we have the opportunity to put an end to the corruption and lobbying
scandals that have plagued congress. Until now powerful interests and
their lobbyists have gotten away with far too much. The key to change
is transparency -- the public has a right to know what relationships
their representatives have with powerful interests.
So far
this year, we struck two blows against political corruption. The house,
during their first 100 hours, passed a bill that banned gifts and
travel from lobbyists. Then the senate followed suit and added strong
lobbying reforms that hold lobbyists and the special interests they
work for more accountable.
The House now needs to pass strong, comprehensive lobbying reform which should include the following provisions.
Disclosure of "bundled" contributions:
A
congressperson can receive as much as $2,300 in a single contribution.
However powerful interests and their lobbyists wield more muscle by
gathering hundreds of thousands in donations from multiple sources and
presenting it in one big bundle. Currently there are no rules in
place that discloses this information to the public -- we have a right
to know who our representatives are turning to for campaign cash.
Disclosure of public campaigns:
In
addition to influencing politicians directly, lobbying firms often
spend huge amounts of money on expensive media and other paid
communications in order to influence the public to lobby on their
behalf. There should be requirements for lobbying firms to disclose to
the public who is behind these campaigns and the amount of money they
receive from powerful interests to do this.
Slow the revolving door:
Members
of congress leaving to work as lobbyists used to be the exception. Now
it is a regular practice, with some 200 former Members reportedly
lobbying Congress. By selling their access to the highest bidder,
former members are unfairly tilting the playing field in favor of the
powerful interest they represent. We need to extend the "cooling off"
period and close the loopholes that allow legislators to leave as
public servants only to immediately return as hired guns.
You can
help now by asking Speaker Pelosi to make sure that the house
introduces strong lobby reform legislation. Then ask your friends and
family to do the same by forwarding this email to them.
To take action, click on the link below or paste it into your web browser:
Sincerely,
Meshawn Ayala
Iowa PIRG Citizen Outreach Director
MeshawnA@iowapirg.org
http://www.IowaPIRG.org
P.S. Thanks again for your support. Please feel free to share this with your family and friends.
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Thursday, March 15
Where Are My Taxes Going?
by
Sam Garchik
on Thu 15 Mar 2007 09:43 AM CDT
Thursday, September 21
Change is in the Air - 29th Annual Harkin Steak Fry
by
Caroline Vernon
on Thu 21 Sep 2006 12:39 PM CDT
 Change is in the Air - 29th Annual Harkin Steak FryBy Caroline Vernon I can’t tell you how excited I was to finally be able to attend a Harkin Steak Fry. For the past two years, since I became politically active, I was never able to make the trip. Traditionally, the Scott County Democrats always fill an entire bus with eager democratic activists, hungry to hear the voice of strong leadership (as well as a sizzling steak or two). This year was no exception. Since there was no room on the bus, an extra dozen of us pooled our resources and rented a passenger van to make the trip. It rained the entire time we were on the road -- we just knew we would end up getting drenched From what I gathered from some of our Steak Fry veterans, rain has also been a part of the annual tradition so we expected it, but as soon as we were about 20 miles outside Indianola, the sky opened up, the clouds dispersed, and the sun smiled down upon us the rest of the day. This was a very good omen Many of us were there to represent the Wake-Up Walmart campaign, so we met up with the national team, donned our new t-shirts and headed for the food. It was very good, although, at first, I was wondering how I was going to cut my steak with a plastic butter knife but it was surprisingly tender and succulent There were so many folks at the tables, we had to split up to find a seat. No sooner I sat down, Tom Harkin, Barack Obama, and Chet Culver walked up and sat down at the reserved table nearby. What I witnessed from that point on is hard to describe. Folks were squeezing in all around them. They hardly had any elbow room to eat. Everyone was eager to get up close and personal. The Press Corps had at least 2 dozen microphones hanging over their food -- I guess they wanted to listen to them chew or something. I was dumbfounded by the fact that folks would not just let them eat their food in peace since there was plenty of opportunity to speak to them afterward. The day had just begun. Sure enough, after they had their fill of that USDA Iowa corn-fed beef (and all the fixins’), the three of them started working the crowd. The energy all around was electric! I knew it was going to be an incredible challenge withstanding the crowd in order to get a word with any of them, but as soon as I saw an opening I squeezed into it and found myself 2nd in line behind a reporter from CNN who was asking Senator Harkin what he thought about Obama being there, that sort of thing. Once it was my turn, I first thanked Senator Harkin for all of the good work he has done through the Americans with Disabilities Act. I then shared with him my personal experience of transitioning from disability while re-entering the workforce after a decade long bout with rheumatoid arthritis. I told him that after 10 years of being flat on my back, I finally found a drug treatment that gave me a whole new lease on life. Unfortunately, the cost of the drug is about $3,600 a month, but I was able to qualify for enrollment into the Patient Assistance Program which made it possible for me to get the drug directly from the pharmaceutical company at very little cost. Since then, I have improved steadily and as of last November, have re-entered the workforce. Here’s the catch, now that I am working, I run the risk of no longer qualifying to receive my medication. Without it, I will surely end up right back where I was 2 years ago - flat on my back. Senator Harkin was very compassionate and told me he thought the only way to address this issue is by changing the law in order to realistically assist those individuals who are transitioning. Given the make-up of our current legislature, there is obviously no hope of that happening, unless, of course, the Democrats manage to take back Congress (I hope you are all out there working hard to make this happen). I next spoke with gubernatorial candidate, Chet Culver, asking him about the state of our environment, citing EPA emission reports which indicate that many counties in Iowa are in the top ten of the most polluted in the nation. Chet promised that once elected, he would do everything necessary to clean up our water and address corporate polluters by implementing stiffer fines and penalties. He said, “If they are going to pollute, they are going to pay.” Unfortunately, I did not have the stamina necessary to withstand the pressure of the crowd while trying to get an audience with Obama. After being stepped on several times, I finally gave up on that idea. What a trip! It was about that time that all of the Congressional candidates took to the stage followed by Governor Vilsack who spoke on behalf of all them, before introducing Chet Culver. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and everyone seemed to be in top form. Chet told us he wants to be the “people’s governor,” providing the people of Iowa with a positive vision for the future. He said he has a plan to make Iowa the renewable energy capitol of the world. Chet cited three keys to victory that he calls on all of us to do between now and November 7th; volunteer your time, post yard signs and bumper stickers, and get out the vote! Chet then introduced Senator Harkin who took to the stage, welcoming everyone to the 29th Annual Harkin Steak Fry. I tell ya, it was like a crescendo from there on. Tom Harkin is the salt of the earth. I really enjoyed listening to him. I know Obama is a rock star, but as far as I’m concerned, Tom Harkin is “the rock.” He was warm, witty, enthusiastic, and yet serious – all at the same time. According to the Library of Congress, Senator Harkin holds the record for defeating more Republican incumbents than anyone else in the history of this country. That speaks volumes! The Senator talked about moving Iowa forward and cited the single most important thing we can do as Iowans to promote progress is by electing more Democrats to the Iowa House and Senate. He thanked all of the candidates and sitting legislators for their commitment and dedication. Tom said he’s known Chet Culver since he was a little boy, joking that yes, Chet was once little. Tom mentioned he was proud to have also served with Chet’s dad and has been a close friend of the family for many years. Senator Harkin said he believes Chet has been the best Secretary of State in Iowa’s history. The senator then directed his attention to the current administration and said, “The president just doesn’t get it, there is no virtue in staying the course if the course you are on is headed over a cliff. There is no virtue in being strong and wrong.” He spoke about how George Bush has squandered all of the good will from around the world that came as a result of 9/11. He said, “Bush has given the Iraqi government a blank check, payable with the lives of our American soldiers and marines.” He said Republicans are not only wrong about Iraq, but they’re wrong here at home. Tom said, “It’s wrong for the President to veto stem cell research that has so much promise to heal people, it’s wrong to block any increase in minimum wage for 9 years, it’s wrong to privatize social security and that’s why we need a Democratic Congress to stop them from doing it!” The senator then talked about the Bush-Nussle budget that will drop millions of kids from the Head Start program, and includes the largest cuts to education in 28 years. Tom shared a recent incident when he was talking with a gentleman about the Republican’s trickle-down economics to which the man replied, “Trickle down? Heck, I haven’t had a drop - at this point I’d settle for a heavy dew!” The senator said the budget also provides less funding for our veterans. He became solemn for a moment before saying, “I’ll tell you what folks, if you want to get your guts torn out sometime, just go out to Walter Reed hospital like Barack and I have done and visit with some of those injured service men and women out there.” He said many of them have brain injuries which are now the signature injury of the war because of the IEDs and the way they explode. Senator Harkin called the administration cold-hearted for cutting funds allocated to the Brain Injury Traumatic Center at Walter Reed Hospital. Tom said it was funded at $14 million dollars last year, the Democrats wanted to increase it this year but the Bush-Nussle budget cut it to $7 million - they cut it in half! Senator Harkin said, “We may have different ideas on the when and what about Iraq but there is one thing that we better stand four-square on, when those veterans come home they’re going to get every ounce of healthcare and support they need to fulfill their lives!” The crowd really went crazy after that comment. Right on Senator Harkin! Our good Senator then welcomed keynote speaker and rising Rock Star of the Democratic party, Barack Obama. Barack expressed his gratitude and admiration for Senator Harkin, thanking him for his steadfast commitment to his state, his country and to the values that propelled into public office in the first place. He also thanked Governor Vilsack for his leadership - he said that folks in Illinois are watching and are proud to see what Iowa has been doing. Barack expressed his belief that some people go to Washington with the best of intentions, but after a while they find themselves representing Washington to their constituents instead of representing their Constituents in Washington. He said it’s a hard thing to resist because it’s easy to get comfortable and become institutionalized - it’s easy to forget why you went there in the first place. He said we have a lot of work to do all across the country, citing everywhere he goes he gets a sense that people are wanting change. He said there is a certain anxiety about the future and although he found that folks still dream big dreams, they have a sense that their leaders have forgotten how. Speaking of change, during most of the speeches, I happened to notice 4 large, beautiful, Monarch butterflies that kept panning above the crowd - flying back and forth. The stage was set in front of a big red barn that had a huge American flag serving as a backdrop. Almost all of the speakers were talking about change - One of the Monarchs fluttered up on stage and became part of the scenic backdrop. I thought of this as another good omen since butterflies often represent change and total transformation. Won’t that be great!? Previously a community organizer, a civil rights lawyer and a law professor, Obama shared an account of the first time someone asked him to run for office when a seat in the Illinois state house had opened up and he said he did what every wise man does when confronted with such a decision, “I prayed on it.... and I asked my wife. And after consulting those higher two powers I decided to get into the race!” That comment was certain to score points with all the women in the crowd! On the night before the general election in his race for the US Senate, he was at a rally getting ready to speak when staff came up to him and asked if he would come back stage to speak with a woman who had traveled far to see him. He agreed to do so and when he went back stage the woman said she had already voted for him via absentee ballot. She told him to keep up the good work and they had a nice little chat. What was remarkable about the woman was that she was born in Louisiana in 1899 – her name was Marguerite Lewis. She was 105 years old. Barack said he thought about everything she had said to him. He thought about all the changes she has seen in her life -- how she had seen women win the right to vote, how she had seen the first world war, the great depression and then a second world war. She had seen her brothers, uncles, and cousins returning from yet another war and still sitting in the back of the bus. She had seen how FDR lifted America out of it’s fear, lifted millions out of poverty and provided millions with opportunities written through the GI bill. She saw how he made sure that seniors had security in their retirement, and that veterans were fully cared for. She saw how unions helped an entire middle class build itself throughout the heartland and saw immigrants travel from distant shores in search of the idea called America. He thought about how Marguerite Lewis, despite the circumstances of her birth, believed in the same idea - how she believed it with all of her heart and all of her soul. She had seen all this progress taking place -- Obama reflected on how she had decided at some point it’s going to be her turn; that America will one day also bring her into the blanket of it’s protection. And then she saw a glimmering light of hope on the horizon, the civil rights movement. Marguerite understands that in America, we don’t settle for quality for some, or opportunity for a few -- we don’t settle in America. Everyone has an obligation not just to ourselves but to each other -- she understood that. Barack said whenever he’s feeling cynical he thinks of Marguerite Lewis. He said if Marguerite isn’t cynical given everything she has seen, then he has no right to be cynical. He then addressed the crowd and said if any of us start feeling cynical we’ve got to remind ourselves that our parents, our grandparents, and great grandparents have overcome much greater challenges than the ones we face today, although he made it clear that we face real challenges in America today - we are truly at a crossroads in this nation. Barack shared that all across America, people are struggling because they sense that in a new globalized world we have given away our power, our communications, and changes in technology, not only to our competitors, but to those who seek to destroy our way of life. He said people are feeling anxious because they see the possibility that maybe their children won’t do as well as they did, recognizing that our children are going to have to compete with folks not only in our own communities, but with communities all over the world. He said, if we don’t make sure we’re preparing our children, we may be the first generation in a very long time in which our children inherit an America that is a little bit meaner and a little bit poorer than the one we inherited from our parents. And that’s not acceptable. I don’t think there was an issue that he didn’t address. He said it all comes down to strong and honest leadership. Barack quoted Newt Gingrich - someone he doesn’t normally quote, but he shared an instance where folks were asking Newt, given all the problems the Republicans have had managing the country, the economy, the war in Iraq, what do you think is going to happen in this election? Newt responded, “If I was advising the Democrats in this election, I gotta admit I would just use two words to campaign; those two words are “had enough.” Barack then told the crowd, “I don’t know about you, but I think ol’ Newt is on to something, because I’ve had enough!” He then went through the litany of misplaced priorities and bad policies brought about by this administration and the Republican Congress. The crowd was on their feet the entire time! Barack also talked about the importance of having hope. He said the challenge we have in this election raises the question, what are we going to do to be involved and be engaged in order to make sure that we have a brighter future for our kids? He asked, what are each of us going to do, not just here in Iowa, but all across the country to capture that sense of hope that has been lost over the last 6 years – and what are we going to say yes to? He said it’s not enough just to say no to Bush and this Republican Congress. He said the Democrats have to be the party of opportunity. We need to create an education system of life-long learning for every single child in America so they can compete all across the world. He said we have to say yes to the idea that we must invest in science and technology. He also said we need to stop giving tax breaks to companies that send jobs overseas and to invest in those companies that stay right here at home. I know that's right! If companies aren't going to invest in America, America shouldn't be investing in them. In closing, Senator Obama told the crowd, "It’s time for everyone to kick off their bedroom slippers and put on their marching shoes!" After listening to all of the wonderful speeches, I felt like running out to get a trumpet and a baton to match my shoes! Tuesday, August 22
Progressives Reach Out To Business
by
Caroline Vernon
on Tue 22 Aug 2006 10:46 AM CDT
 Progressives Reach Out To BusinessFrom the Des Moines Business Record Recently a new friend asked: "Why does Central Iowa need a Progressive Coalition and why is its formation important to the business community?" I think I speak for all the members of the steering committee working on this coalition when I say that we feel the need to protect the USA. We see an America that is in serious peril of sliding down a path of predatory capitalism and arrogant militarism. We believe that path threatens America's very existence as a democracy. That peril is not precipitated by global economics or terrorist wars. It is posed by a group of political operatives who are leading this country backward to a path we have been down once before with disastrous results. That path ends in a stratified society, a society of rich and poor but no middle class . It is a society in which the disabled, the hungry and the elderly are set adrift to fend for themselves. It is the society envisioned by another group of Republicans during the early 20th century, starting with Calvin Coolidge and ending with Herbert Hoover as the bookends of a radical conservative era of tax-cutting and go-go predatory capitalism. Theirs was an age of anti-unionism and the ephemeral stock market bubble of the "Roaring '20s." Their arrogance, their conservative beliefs and their constituents' demands for more and more "instant" wealth led to the stock market crash of 1929 and the 13-year Great Depression. That catastrophic outcome of their flawed policies so imprinted itself on the minds of two American generations that radical conservatism failed to regain political power for 45 years. During that progressive period, America prospered beyond anyone's wildest dreams on the bedrock principles of the New Deal. Those principles included equal opportunity, collective bargaining, a path to wealth for all, a safety net for those in need and security for the elderly and the disabled. But for the last 20 years, America has forgotten the evils that the New Deal wiped out. Radical conservatives would have us forget the blood, tears and sacrifices of thousands of rank-and-file Americans in ensuring that they were treated with dignity and fairness in the workplace through collective bargaining. Those unions that the radical conservatives would vilify brought us such evils as the 40-hour workweek, paid vacations, overtime for all workers and a living wage for the great majority of Americans. They would have us forget the lessons our grandparents learned in the Great Depression as the result of their failed leadership: unregulated capitalism leads to corruption, exploitation and destruction of the economic fabric of the country. They would have us ignore the fact that when the middle and lower classes are persuaded by hate and fear to support aristocracy and imperialism, the people in those classes suffer the most. The business community owes a special debt to progressive Democratic ideals. Those ideals have allowed them the opportunity to succeed through superior public education, a fair playing field and the freedom to work and create in an open economy. That privilege engenders a special responsibility to oppose political and economic policies that would make the opportunity available only to the privileged few. We on the Des Moines Progressive Coalition steering committee look forward to partnering with those business patriots who would help us stand up for the American progressive ideal. Bruce Stone is the national director of sales and quality systems for Cable Tech Inc., which has its headquarters in Grimes. Wednesday, June 28
One Less Thing To Worry About, Courtesy of "Chuck" Grassley
by
Sam Garchik
on Wed 28 Jun 2006 07:49 AM CDT
One Less Thing To Worry About, Courtesy of "Chuck" Grassley I don't know nearly as much as Chuck when it comes to many things, but I don't think he's found an answer to this one. This article, widely published today and yesterday, reminds us that we should have put Art Small in office. Of course it's a good idea to punish people who kidnap little kids and sell them for sex, Charles, but I get the sense that the same people who do that are just about as likely to pay their taxes as the people who get busted for failing to pay their marijuana tax. Oh, by the way. while he was doing this, he was also voting to restrict our freedom of speech by banning the flag burning. Grassley: 'It's a no-brainer to have the IRS go after sex traffickers'
Tuesday, June 27, 2006; Posted: 11:27 p.m. EDT (03:27 GMT)
Republican Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa is hoping to stamp out the sex trade by taxing pimps and prostitutes, then jailing them when they don't pay. The Senate Finance Committee is expected to vote Wednesday morning on the pimp tax. The bill also calls for more jail time for sex workers. If passed, the provision will authorize at least $2 million toward the establishment of an office in the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation unit to prosecute unlawful sex workers for violations of tax laws. "Recent headlines have focused on sex trafficking in connection with the World Cup in Germany," Grassley said. "This vile crime is under our noses in the United States, and it's a no-brainer to have the IRS go after sex traffickers. Prosecuting these tax code violations can get these guys off the street and yank from their grasp the girls and women they exploit." Grassley said the problem is "especially horrible" when underage girls are involved. Asked if taxing sex workers would legitimize their trade, a Grassley spokesman said the goal was simply to find "yet another alternative to track the money flowing in this industry to get at potential criminals." Currently, the IRS has to prove a prostitute's or pimp's income to pursue a tax law violation. But under Grassley's proposal, a pimp could get up to 10 years in prison for each prostitute for whom the pimp hasn't filed a W-2, which means a pimp caught with 10 unregistered prostitutes faces a century in prison. Carol Leigh, a representative of the Bay Area Sex Worker Advocacy Network in San Francisco, California, called the proposal short-sighted. "Forced labor, kidnapping should be targeted. But this legislation broadly targets the sex trade in general, and could target your local strip club," Leigh said. "We want laws enforced against those who abuse us, against those who are violent, and enforcement of labor regulations. That is the only truly effective way to protect the welfare of the women who work in the industry." CNN's Jonathan Schienberg contributed to this report. Monday, June 26
Leach Votes to Cut Estate Tax
by
Sam Garchik
on Mon 26 Jun 2006 04:55 PM CDT
 Leach Votes to Cut Estate Tax
By Jason Friedman "Well, it looks like the House leadership is putting the reins on Jim Leach these days, despite the fact that its election season when he likes to remind of us of his moderate credentials. Leach voted yesterday for the Bill Thomas plan to gut the estate tax. Long an opponent of full repeal of the estate tax, Leach gave the repealers most of what they want. The bill exempts almost all estates from tax, slashes the tax rates on the rest and will cost at least $760 billion during its first full decade. Another $600 billion would be added to the deficit along with an additional $160 billion in the interest on that borrowing, to be paid backby future generations so today's wealthiest families can get another Republican tax break. Dave brought the staff together to talk about the bill and the vote. "After thirty years in Congress, Leach has apparently decided it is more important to give millionaires a big tax break than it is to balance the budget, more important to heap more debt on the backs of middle-income families than it is to assure that our critical needs are met," he told us. Dave reminded us about Leach's deciding committee vote earlier this week against an amendment to force companies that seek government financing for exporting to pledge to hire American workers at "livable wages." He noted that the amendment which failed 33-34 would have passed if Leach truly represented the interests of the working people of Iowa's 2nd District. As the meeting broke up, a volunteer that overheard part of the conversation asked, "So, what are Leach's priorities for middle-income Iowans?" We looked at each other in complete silence. We'll keep looking..... Jason Friedman, Communications Director Wednesday, April 19
Working Toward Economic Justice in the QC
by
Caroline Vernon
on Wed 19 Apr 2006 05:26 PM CDT
By Caroline Vernon "Tax-Day" Leadership planning session and Wake-Up Walmart Demonstration We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to "get active". Over a dozen community leaders and concerned citizens started the day with a leadership planning session with Working Families Win at the offices of Communities United to Strengthen America. We discussed various economic issues such as fair trade, workers rights, a living wage, education, healthcare, corporate responsibility and the environment. As a group, we ascertained the need to put our thoughts on these issues into a concise statement of economic priorities/principles to present to candidates for public office; we set a deadline of May 1st to draft language for a Quad Cities statement, and to meet again at Communities United on May 6 at 1:00 PM; please join us! Considering it was a holiday weekend, we still had 33 people participate in the Wake-Up Walmart demonstration which was organized to raise awareness about the Fair Share For Health Care Bill; currently stalled in the Iowa Senate. We actually received very good press on the event from the Rock Island Argus/Dispatch. Afterward, many of us met for lunch at the Village Inn to thank them for letting us park in their lot during the rally. Thanks to ALL of you who participated on a holiday week-end!
ACTION: Please contact your State Senators and Governor Vilsack, asking them to support this common sense bill to hold Wal-Mart and other large corporations accountable. For more information on this event go to: To learn more about why Wal-Mart needs to change, go to www.wakeupwalmart.com Friday, February 24
HIDDEN SACRIFICE: Analysis Discovers Big Cuts Ahead for Iowa in Bush Budget
by
Linda Thieman
on Fri 24 Feb 2006 04:00 AM CST
 HIDDEN SACRIFICE: Analysis Discovers Big Cuts Ahead for Iowa in Bush BudgetIowa Fiscal Partnership Behind the curtains of George W. Bush’s five-year plans for domestic services are substantial cuts to Iowans. These were not evident from the widely circulated budget plans for 2007; unlike traditional practice, the administration did not release its five-year numbers. Thanks to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which obtained and analyzed a less well-circulated administration computer run, a glimpse of the Iowa impact is available. In the context of proposed tax cuts, it illustrates the choices at stake. TAX CUTS WOULD FORCE BIGGER DEFICITS DESPITE SPENDING CUTS Overall, the budget would increase the federal deficit, both short term and long term. The five-year plan would cut the domestic discretionary budget (annually appropriated services outside defense and international affairs) by $183 billion below 2006 funding, adjusted for inflation. Of those cuts, $167 billion would occur after 2007. By 2011, this spending would be about $57 billion (13 percent) below the amount needed to keep pace with inflation. The proposed cuts in domestic spending would not reduce the deficit in the [Bush]’s plan; they are less than $285 billion in tax cuts proposed by [Bush]. Tax cuts proposed by [Bush] would benefit high-income people; several domestic spending cuts are in services for low-income people. The [Bush]’s proposals, for example, would mean: • 4,000 fewer Iowa participants would be served in the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC) in 2011 than 2006. • 3,400 fewer Iowa participants in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for the Elderly in 2007 than in 2006 (420,000 fewer nationally) • 800 to as many as 1,100 fewer Head Start participants by 2011. Combined with proposed spending increases in military and homeland security spending, the deficit would be about $200 billion worse than currently expected. Click here to download the complete Iowa report in PDF format. Click here to download the full analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. |
Iowa Sites Child & Family Policy Center - Iowa Genetic Engineering Action Network Iowa Citizen Action Network - ICAN Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility Iowa Public Interest Research Group Midwest Environmental Justice Advocates Progressive Action for the Common Good Progressive Coalition of Central Iowa QCAD (Quad-Citians Affirming Diversity - GLBT) Iowa Blogs The Deprogrammer (Quad Cities) Iowa True Blue (Gordon Fischer's Blog) Iowa Voters for Open and Transparent Elections Political FalloutFight Iowa Rapid Response Network - Iowa
Iowans for Better Local TV
Air America
The Counterpoint
National FAIR: Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting
Media Matters for America
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Working Toward Economic Justice in the QC: