The Progressive Iowa Network Organizing Summit Saturday, June 9, 2007
Iowa City Public Library 123 S. Linn St. Iowa City, IA
52240
9 AM – 3PM
Agenda:
1. Welcome 2. Introductions 3. Why a Progressive Network is important for Iowa 4. Democracy for America – Support for Iowa’s Progressive Network 5. 2007 Iowa Legislative Review (Legislators) 6. Overview of Top Progressive Legislative Priorities (Progressive Activists) 7. Envisioning Progressive Power in Iowa (Ed Fallon & Denise O'Brien) 8. Break 9. Top Progressive Legislative Issues - Workshops
VOICE (Voter Owned Iowa Clean Elections) CAFO/Farm Bill Health Care Media Reform Fair Share
Please note: If you are interested in discussing potential state-wide initiatives that will pressure our Congress to end the war in Iraq, please come to this event. Peace groups can strategize during the workshop hour (#9) and also report back to the larger group after lunch. This will be an excellent opportunity for all of us to be united for peace.
We will start gathering at 9am - coffee and bagels / breakfast treats. The summit will begin promptly at 9:30am. Please let us know if you intend to come:
Establishing our Progressive Iowa Network (PIN) - Update By Caroline Vernon
This Saturday, June 9th, progressive leaders, legislators and activists from various organizations across Iowa will come together for the first DFA-Iowa Networking Summit.
We will be gathering at theIowa City Public Library from 9am to 3pm(the last hour will be devoted to DFA-IA administrative business).
Some of our great leaders who will be in attendance include Charlie Chamberlain from Democracy for America, Ed Fallon, Denise O’Brien, and Senator Joe Bolkcom, just to name a few…
Once again, the purpose of this gathering is to establish a Progressive Iowa Network which will serve to better unite progressives across the state in order to support each others efforts around important issues, particularly if we hope to be more effective moving into the next legislative session. Besides providing an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow progressives, one direct benefit of an Iowa Network would be the enhanced ability to articulate our progressive world view by creating a state-wide echo chamber that will carry our unified message to all Iowans.
As previously indicated, we have identified 5 issues in Iowa that require urgent action:
1. VOICE (Voter-Owned Iowa Clean Elections) 2. CAFO regulations / Farm Bill 3. Fair Share 4. Healthcare 5. Media
Also, due to the recent vote on the Iraq supplemental bill, it is our hope that peace activists from across Iowa will take advantage of this opportunity to come together to discuss potential state wide initiatives that will effectively pressure those in Congress who voted for the bill.
In addition to addressing the above issues, we are tracking organizations by their particular area(s) of focus. This list has also evolved since my last blog:
1. Policy / Research 2. Lobbying 3. Media & Blogs 4. Grassroots Organizing
These 4 areas have been added:
5. Direct Action 6. Education 7. Funding (to identify potential sources of funding) 8. Political Campaigns (organizations who can be involved with campaigns)
We are working on compiling a comprehensive list of all participating organizations, including contact information, primary areas of focus and primary issues of concern. If you or your organization will be attending the summit, we ask that you submit your information using the example below (4 stars = primary focus)
Example:
Organization: Progressive Action for the Common Good Address: 3707 Eastern Ave, Davenport, IA 52807 Contact Information: (name/position/phone/email): Caroline Vernon, Organizer, 563-676-7580, carolina1961@gmail.com. James Lee, Executive Director, 563-650-3922, jlee6367@yahoo.com
Please send the above information to carolina1961@gmail.comby Thursday, June 7thso we can be sure to include your information in the hand-out.
It is important to note that we encourage ALL progressive organizations to attend this meeting and become part of the network even if we may not be focusing on your specific issues at this time. The goal of the network is to create a framework designed to support all progressive initiatives. We need everyone’s participation in order to succeed.
If you have any questions, please call Caroline Vernon at 563-676-7580.
Establishing our Progressive Iowa Network (PIN) – Mark the Date!
By Caroline Vernon
On Saturday, June 9th, progressive leaders, activists and legislators from across the state will converge on Iowa City for our first 2007 Democracy for Iowa Organizing Summit. We are still working out the details on the venue (forthcoming) but we will be meeting from 9am to 3pm (the last hour will be reserved for DFA-IA members to discuss administrative business so it will not be necessary for everyone to stay for that segment).
The purpose of this gathering is to establish the Progressive Iowa Network (PIN). This network will serve to better unite progressive organizations, legislators, and leaders across the state so we can support each other’s efforts around progressive issues in Iowa.
Currently,
we have an unprecedented opportunity to get progressive legislation
passed in our state. However, in order to achieve legislative victories
on the issues that we care about, we must establish an effective
framework that allows us to better organize our efforts, clarify our
message, mobilize our base, educate the public and influence our state
officials.
We have identified the following 5 issues as requiring urgent action:
1. VOICE (Voter-Owned Iowa Clean Elections) 2. CAFO regulations / Farm Bill 3. Fair Share 4. Healthcare 5. Media
Please note: we want ALL progressive organizations to attend this meeting and become part of this network even if we may not be focusing on your specific issues at this time.
The Summit Agenda will cover the following:
I. Why is PIN important?
The first part of this summit will discuss why PIN is important. Groups/Individuals will be asked to introduce themselves and identify their main areas and issues of focus:
This will NOT be an informational meeting about the issues, but rather a strategy session on how we can support each other moving forward.
II. Update & Evaluation of the recent Iowa Legislative Session
• What went well? • What would we do differently?
III. Break-Out Sessions by Issue
• Strategize with other progressives around the state that are working on the same issue. • What kind of help do you need from other organizations/leaders who may not be directly involved in your issue.
Lunch
IV. Report back to larger group identifying specific needs
• What do you need from PIN?
We will not have time to hear specific plans but rather will want to hear your list of needs on how other organizations/leaders can help you make progress around your issue.
V. Where does PIN go from here?
We will discuss logistics, network structure and set a date and time for our next meeting(s).
VI. DFA-Iowa Administrative Planning Session (for DFA-IA members)
This last segment will be for DFA-IA members to discuss by-laws, how we can better support Blog for Iowa, and other administrative details.
Outreach around this summit has been underway for awhile -- many progressive organizations/individuals in Iowa have already been notified. However, if you have not yet heard from us directly, please email Caroline Vernon ASAP: carolina1961@gmail.com. We need every progressive organization, leader and legislator in Iowa to participate in order to achieve maximum effectiveness as a network.
Senator Grassley, Protect Medicare Beneficiaries, NOT Drug Company Profits! By Caroline Vernon
On Thursday, May 10th, a coalition of concerned citizens representing various organizations came together to hold a press conference in front of Senator Charles Grassley’s downtown Davenport office. The purpose of this press conference was to urge the Senator to reconsider his vote on repealing the provision within the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act that forbids Medicare from negotiating prescription drug prices. Coalition groups included organizers and members of Iowa Citizens Action Network (ICAN), Working Families Win (WFW), Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA), Quad Cities Federation of Labor (QC-Fed) and Progressive Action for the Common Good (PACG).
Unfortunately, the funeral of Katie Soenksen, the young soldier from Davenport (one of the most recent victims of the Iraq war), was held at the exact same time of our scheduled press conference so we had no press at the event, although Charlie Wishman of ICAN was interviewed on WVIK, a local radio station. Although disappointed at the lack of media coverage, we accomplished exactly what we set out to do; to let Senator Grassley know that his vote forbiding Medicare to negotiate drug prices is unacceptable.
I hope seniors everywhere are paying attention... our senior Senator seems to believe it is more important to protect drug company profits than to protect Iowa’s medically needy and senior citizens who depend on life-saving medication. The costs of some drugs are so outrageous that many are forced to either go without their medication or forego paying other bills. Meanwhile, drug companies are making huge profits at the expense of the elderly and infirmed.
Based on a recent report by the Institute for America’s Future (read the whole report at: www.ourfuture.org), ..."repealing the provision within the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act that expressly forbids Medicare from negotiating lower prescription drug prices could save American taxpayers $30 billion a year." This paper also examines the savings from the Veterans Administration to show that Iowa residents could save $399 million each and every year if Medicare was allowed to negotiate for the same low prices that are obtained by the VA.
The potential annual savings from negotiating are also evident from looking at several particular drugs. Merck’s Zocor and Pfizer’s Lipitor are both top-selling prescriptions that, if sold at the VA’s negotiated price would save U.S. taxpayers and seniors more then $2.8 billion annually, enough to fully fund the shortfall states face with the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). To give you a glaring example of the difference in cost, refer to the comparison below: VA Med D Med D (low) (high) Merck Zocor (20 mg) $127 $1,275 $1,776 Merck Zocor (40 mg) $191 $1,275 $1,711 Pfizer Lipitor (10 mg) $520 $749 $927 Pfizer Lipitor (20 mg) $782 $1,068 $1,302 This information was relayed to Senator Grassley’s aide. In addition, Jim and Doris Hughes, Davenport residents, shared their growing concerns over their drug costs which actually increased from just under $4,000 in 2005, when they had no drug coverage, to over $9,000 in 2006 under Medicare Part D.
This is so outrageous… we cannot continue to allow the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens to be held hostage to the almighty dollar. I don’t know how Senator Grassley or anyone else can rationalize and then justify this kind of exploitation. Senator Grassley has received hundreds of thousands of dollars from the pharmaceutical industry. It’s time he gets his priorities straight and chooses to represent the good people of this state instead of drug company profits. Please call Senator Grassley and tell him exactly that!
Senator Grassley's Washington DC Office: 1-202-224-3744
"Our Common Values Workshop" to be Held in Cedar Rapids By Sue Astley
Ever felt like your highest values justice, equality, the common good have somehow gone missing from mainstream political conversation?
Ever noticed that some core right-wing ideas have been repeated so often, on such a wide range of issues and for so long, that they pass for "common sense" with a lot of people?**
If so, you're not alone. People throughout Iowa are tired of finding themselves trapped in an echo-chamber of right-wing ideas, where our views are not heard. To join progressive groups around the state in reshaping the political conversation so that it reflects our values and beliefs, please join us for: Our Common Values
A workshop led by Iowa Citizen Action Network (ICAN)
When: Monday, May 14th at 7:00 PM
Where: The Java Creek Café , 588 Boyson Rd. NE in Cedar Rapids
ICAN is working with diverse groups throughout the state to put progressive values back where they belong: in the mainstream of political debate. As the first stage of this work, in the May 14th workshop you will tell us what core values you'd like to see all sorts of great organizations and community groups around the state lifting up in their varied campaigns and struggles. We'll also look at the role values play in shaping the political agenda how the civil rights movement used values in this way, and more recently how the political right has done so.
SPONSORED BY:
Working Families Win
Questions ?
Contact: Burkett McInturff (910) 476 7253 or jbmcintu@gmail.com
** For example: * Markets = "always the best solution, no matter what the problem"; * Poverty = "your own fault"; * The individual in society = "you're on your own." * Government = "wasteful; always the problem, never part of the solution";
Gronstal to Iowa Voters – F*ck You! Gronstal Earns a Mouth Scrubbing at Capitol Wednesday! By swords&ploughshares
It's official, Iowa Democrats who turned out in record numbers this year to deliver the historic control of the Iowa House, Senate and Governorship to Democrats for the first time in over 30 years, can now rest safe that their leadership has abandoned them.
At today's VOICE Rally at the Capitol in Des Moines, Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal stunned Iowa citizens advocating Clean Elections with his arrogance and use of obscenities.
A group of women and elderly men had gathered in the Rotunda after a peaceful rally calling for an end to the use of big money in Iowa's political campaigns, when Gronstal, who has been called "the most powerful man in Iowa politics," came strolling by.
Seizing upon the chance to speak with "the powerful one," members of the group caught his attention and began asking him where he stood on the issue.
When told of the citizen's concerns about how corporate money was impacting elections, Gronstal told them that's the way things work. When asked about the chance of Clean Election legislation reaching the floor he flatly said, "Not a chance."
Gronstal then went on a rant about how "naïve" these Iowans were, thinking that big money could be removed from Iowa elections, warning that "Republicans could just outspend us (Democrats) with a 527."
When someone in the crowd asked Gronstal about the half a million dollars that he raised during the last election cycle and doled out to Democratic candidates, he scoffed at the figure, saying, "I raised twice that much!"
Eventually some 20 citizens gathered around Gronstal, eager to hear the bill's fate during the final days of the 2007 session. What many of them heard was not only disheartening, but ultimately insulting.
Rather than listen to their reasonable concerns about the influence of money in politics, Gronstal arrogantly claimed that the votes for Clean Elections "weren't there." When a woman challenged this claim, Gronstal launched into her. "I make the decisions of what bills come to the floor…I'm the best vote counter in this building. I got 25 years of experience."
At some point, an older gentleman interrupted the Senate Majority Leader, saying, "You're nothing but a Republican in Democrat clothing."
Like a petty tyrant who has finally been called on his bad behavior the Senate Majority Leader lost it. Gronstal squared off with the older gentleman and said, "That's the lowest blow that anyone's ever dealt me. You can kiss my ass!"
Visibly shaken, Gronstal stormed off. He walked a short distance away from the group and then lifted his head up to the top of the Capitol and SHOUTED "F*ck You!" A large group of elementary school children were touring the Rotunda while this was happening.
Inappropriate behavior at the Capitol is not unusual, but somebody with the title of Senate Majority Leader should not be allowed to speak to Iowa voters in such a vulgar manner especially while young children are nearby. The office and the Senate of Iowa deserve better.
If you're appalled at Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal's behavior, contact the Iowa Senate and demand that Gronstal issue a public apology.
E-mail: michael.gronstal@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 712-328-2808
SENATE SWITCHBOARD: (515) 281-3371 HOUSE SWITCHBOARD: (515) 281-3221
Find Your Legislator and their email address by visiting www.legis.state.ia.us/FindLeg
Demand a public apology. Iowans expect more from their leaders.
Attend the ICAN Conference in Des Moines
on April 21
By Betty Ahrens, Executive Director
I am pleased to invite you to attend ICAN’s Annual Leadership Training
Conference set for Saturday, April 21 – from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. –
at the Foxboro Conference Center in Johnston (6163 86th Street).
This year our keynote speaker is Barack Obama, U.S. Senator and
best-selling author of The Audacity of Hope. In addition, we will offer
a workshop on using Our Common Values to build progressive power and
unite our voices around a shared progressive voice. Due to limited
seating (and the popularity of our keynote speaker), pre-registration
is required. There is a $35 registration fee per person ($40 if paid at
the door) for the Conference, which includes lunch, awards ceremony,
workshop and keynote speaker. I hope you will attend and bring other
members of your organization to spend the afternoon and evening with
ICAN. We are going to have a great Conference and want you to be
a part of this exciting day. We are intent on “Using Our Common
Values to Build Progressive Power,” but we can’t do it without you!
The Our Common Values training session will provide an interactive
small-group experience that will stretch your ways of thinking and
doing – and have practical application in our shared work. These small
group sessions will be fun and high-energy as well as thought
provoking. This is a great opportunity to develop new leaders or to
give established leaders a fresh perspective on their work.
Participants in this workshop will find themselves more savvy and
effective advocates when they apply the lessons learned in this session
to their on-going work. We are delighted to have a group of
experienced, skilled facilitators joining us to lead the
workshops: Alexa Bradley and Dave Mann, of the Grass Roots Policy
Project, Carolyn Castore of the Midwest States Center, Phillip Cryan of
ICAN and Matt Russell, of the Iowa Network for Community
Agriculture.
In the U.S. Senate, keynote speaker Senator Barack Obama – who began
his career as a community organizer in Chicago – has focused on
tackling the challenges of a globalized, 21st century world with fresh
thinking and a politics that no longer settles for the lowest common
denominator. Amid the partisanship and bickering of today's public
debate, he still believes in the ability to unite people around a
politics of purpose - a politics that puts solving the challenges of
everyday Americans ahead of partisan calculation and political
gain. Whether it's the poverty exposed by Katrina, the genocide
in Darfur, or the role of faith in our politics,
Barack Obama continues to speak out on the issues that will define America in the 21st
Century. This makes him the ideal speaker to include in our day-long exercise of using
Our Common Values to build progressive power. Seating is limited, and as a result
we are unable to provide entrance to the keynote speech to individuals or groups who
have not attended the entire Leadership Training Conference.
Seating is very limited for the Conference. Please register no more than 1 individual(s).
Pre-registration is required. Enclosed you will find a Leadership
Conference Registration Form. Please complete the form and return
it to us in the enclosed envelope along with your $35 per person
registration fee. Your pre-registration must be received by April
9. Registration for the workshop and keynote speaker is on a
first come first serve basis. The Conference will be well worth your
registration costs!
We have reserved a limited number of special-rate rooms at the nearby
Stoney Creek Inn if you require overnight accommodations on April
21. Rooms will be available on Saturday night at a rate of $79
plus taxes; to make room reservations call 800-659-2220. To
secure the special rate, mention Iowa Citizen Action Network’s name.
Reservations must be made on or before April 9 to receive the special
rate.
We are grateful for the support of your organization, and look forward
to working with you in the future. If you have any questions,
please call Gayle Warner at 319/354-8116 or e-mail gwarner@iowacan.org.
*IBLTV is a group of citizens from the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area who are concerned about the decline in the quality of local television. Fight local media consolidation, as it leads to an unaccountable medium that enriches itself while disregarding the need to serve the public good.
*The rational counter to 'The Point,' 'The Counterpoint' critiques and corrects the daily editorial by Sinclair Broadcasting's corporate vice president, Mark Hyman, that is broadcast on all Sinclair-owned television stations across the country
