Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO Unions Helping

Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO

Unions Helping Working Families

Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO—2000 Walker St. Suite A. Des Moines Iowa 50317 515-262-9571 Iowalabornews.com Youtube AFLCIOIowa Facebook IowaAFLCIO Web Page www.iowaaflcio.org Twitter @IowaAFLCIO Pinterest— iowafed (Union Iowa)

On behalf of all of the groups involved in sponsoring this summit, let us say thank you for attending. We understand that on a day like this you have many different things you can be doing. If you’re here, you understand that the democracy we live in is a participatory exercise, and you’re not a bystander. It’s very easy to view “politics” as something that happens to you, not something you’re involved in or that you can make a difference in. One saying that always is true of the political process is that “If you’re not at the table, you’re probably on the menu.” This is our attempt at getting these pressing issues that have been ignored far too long on the table. We hope today that you’ll get a better under- standing of the many issues that are facing the working class in Iowa and around the nation, and find a way to get involved through groups participating, or by organizing back home. Too often the discourse becomes about who is ahead in the polls, or who has raised the most money. In the last election cycle, it seemed that there was much discussion on the so-called “horserace” aspect of it, but at the end of the election it would have been hard to say what the actual positions of many candidates were, both Democratic and Republican. As a citizenry, we deserve better from the media and from politicians. Our voices need to be heard, and our issues need to be addressed. We hope that you will learn more about topics that you didn’t know about, or lend your expertise and views to the discussions taking place. But also, just as important, don’t forget to make some new friends and start to think about how to work with them to create real change back in your communities. North America's Building Trades Unions: It is the Mission of North America's Building Trades Unions to develop and deploy the safest, most highly skilled and productive skilled craft workforce found anywhere in the world, while establishing and protecting wage and benefit standards that ensure that careers in the construction industry are a path to the Middle Class. Our vision is to become a preferred vendor-supplier of skilled craft construction workforce solutions to whole industries, individual construction end-users, contractors and the communities in which we operate. Through substantial annual investments in a world-renowned apprenticeship training and education infrastructure, and through collaborative partnerships with businesses, industry, community organizations, and government officials, North America's Building Trades Unions are paving the way for a new, tripartite business approach that is providing solutions for a wide range of industry and public policy challenges

Our union is founded on workers empowering workers to unite and find their voice. We are made up of more than 1.3 million people working primarily in grocery and retail stores, and in the food processing and meat packing industries. Together, we are proud to put the food on America’s tables. UFCW members work in all 50 states, and in Canada, and belong to more than 400 local unions. We’re also the union with the largest percentage of members under the age of 35 and are made up of both full and part-time workers. If you shop in a grocery store, chances are you’ve been helped by a UFCW member or purchased products made in one of the plants we work in.

UFCW members are:  ADVOCATES for grocery, retail, meat packing, and food processing workers;  A COLLECTIVE VOICE for working people and the middle class; A UNION of worker-activists fighting for social and economic justice, and the American Dream

Www.ufcw.org Caucus Procedures Democratic Party

Step 1 - Democratic party members will meet in one of the 1,781 precincts in Iowa, which are designated schools, public buildings, and private homes, to elect caucus delegates. To determine meeting locations, individuals may contact their County Party Chair or State Party Headquarters. Contact County Party Chairs. Www.iowademocrats.org/about/countychairs Contact State Party Headquarters. Www.iowademocrats.org Step 2 - At the individual Democratic caucus meetings, individuals will gather in separate groups according to which candidate they are supporting. Those who are undecided will be asked to join one of the groups already formed. Step 3 - These caucus meetings will determine the popularity of each candidate and will decide which candidates are to be retained and which are to be eliminated. Only candidates receiving 15% support from the individuals in the meeting will be eligible for the candidacy. Individuals supporting a candidate who received less than 15% support will be asked to join one of the other groups. Step 4 - This procedure of determining the percentage of support for each candidate may take some discussion until the process of elimination leaves a handful of candidates with no less then 15% support. This number will be broken down based upon the number of delegates that this particular caucus is representing. For instance, if a caucus is heavily populated, there may be 4 or more delegates to be elected, and so a group would need 15% of the participants in that caucus in order to qualify; If a caucus is electing only 2 delegates, a group would need 25% to qualify; and if a caucus is electing only 1 delegate, a group would need 50% of the participants to qualify. Step 5 - The results of the percentages received and the number of caucus delegates for all of the meetings held that night are reported to party headquarters. From there, the figures are tabulated to determine in rank order the candidates with the most caucus delegates. This concludes the Democratic participation in the caucuses. Next, the Democratic party will begin the process of selecting the 56 delegates that will represent the state of Iowa. Step 6 - After the caucuses in each county, a County Convention will be held to select the delegates for the District Convention. Again, at this level, they will use the 15% rule, which stipulates 15% of the delegates are needed in order to consider a candidate viable. Step 7 - After the County Convention, a District Convention will be held in which all of the counties in that district will select the delegates, of which there are 29 total for the state. Again, the 15% rule to determine viable candidates will be followed. Step 8 - The State of Iowa Democratic Convention will convene to select the delegates who will represent the candidates in the National Convention, again using the 15% rule of support. The State Convention, at this time, will pre- pare a total of 56 delegates for the National Convention, at which the official Presidential Candidate for the Demo- cratic party will be decided.

Caucus Procedures Republican Party

Step 1 - Republican party members will meet in one of the 1,784 precincts in Iowa, which are designated schools, public buildings, and private homes, to elect caucus delegates. To determine meeting locations, individuals may contact their County Party Chair or State Party Headquarters. Contact County Party Chairs. Www.iowagop.org/county-leadership/ Contact State Party Headquarters. Www.iowagop.org Step 2 - At the individual Republican caucus meetings, a straw poll is taken by secret ballot to influence the delegate. Step 3 - One person = one vote. The straw poll is an informal type of voting where the local votes are tabulated to gauge opinion. Step 4 - The tabulated votes from the local precinct straw polls are sent to the state party headquarters to an- nounce the winner of the straw poll popular vote, and hopefully influence the selection of delegates. This concludes the Republican participation in the caucuses. Next, the Republican party will begin the process of selecting the 41 delegates that will represent the state of Iowa. Step 5 - After the caucuses in each county, a County Convention will be held to select the delegates for the District Convention, using the influence of the straw poll as a guide. Step 6 - After the County Convention, a District Convention will be held in which all of the counties in that political district will decide on just 3 delegates to represent each district. There are 6 districts in Iowa for a total of 18 delegates. Step 7 - The State of Iowa Republican Convention will decide upon a total of 23 more delegates, along with the 3 additional delegates per district, for a sum total of 41 delegates who will represent the candidates in the National Convention, at which the official Presidential Candidate for the Republican party will be decided.

Iowa Caucus February 1, 2016 AFGE represents government workers who are the vital threads of the fabric of American life. Gov- ernment employees inspect the food we eat and the places we work, they protect citizens from the illicit flow of drugs, maintain the safety of our nation's borders, care for our nation's veterans, serve as a vital link to Social Security recipients, maintain the District of Columbia's infrastructure, keep the national defense systems prepared for any danger and much, much more. AFGE is proud to make America work. Jane Nygaard National Vice President 2950 Metro Drive Suite 315 Bloomington, MN 55425 Phone: (952) 854-3216 Fax: (952) 854-6257 [email protected] Web Site: http:// www.afgedist8.org/

The National Association of Letter Carriers is the sole representative of city delivery letter carriers employed by the U.S. Postal Service.

Since it was founded in Milwaukee in 1889, the NALC has had a long and distinguished history of defending the rights of letter carriers before abusive supervisors, unfair presidential administrations and indifferent Congresses. NALC is the only force that fights to protect the interests of city letter carriers. NALC Branch 352, 107 Jefferson, Des Moines Iowa. 515-282-3723

Popcorn Heaven is a gourmet popcorn store that creates unique, and most importantly, delicious popcorn flavors. We also specialize in making many deliciously irresistible flavors of homemade fudge right in our store. Popcorn Heaven is dedicated to giving our customers a fun and tasty experience with the best popcorn and fudge around. We love creating new recipes for different occasions and seasons. We also love to take customer suggestions and create exciting new flavors. Most of all, we love serving our customers with a smile and building relationships with popcorn and fudge lovers of all kinds. 319-234-1170 www.mypopcornheaven.com 1170

The IBEW represents approximately 750,000 active members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government. The IBEW has members in both the United States and Canada and stands out among the American unions in the AFL-CIO because it is among the largest and has members in so many skilled occupations.

As union members, we bargain collectively with our employers over wages, benefits, and rights.

Most of us have very limited bargaining power as one person, but as a group, we are strong. And, with a good negotiated contract, we have legal protections we would not have otherwise.900 Seventh Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20001, Telephone: (202) 833-7000 Fax: (202) 728-7676

Since 1915, Iowa Farmers Union members have worked together to strengthen the independent family farm through education, legislation and cooperation and to provide Iowans with sustainable production, safe food, a clean environment and healthy communities. IFU is a grassroots member organization of family farmers and ranchers, advocates and consumers committed to pro- moting family agriculture in Iowa. The key to our success is our grassroots structure, with policy positions and priorities initiated and ap- proved by our members. In 2012, Jobs with Justice and American Rights at work, two independent organizations with a robust track record of advancing workers’ rights and conomic justice, merged. Now we have relaunched as one incredible organization called Jobs With Justice. Building on our combined 35-year history, we are continuing to lead the fight for workers’ rights and an economy that benefits everyone.

1616 P Street NW, Suite 150 Washington DC, 20036 tel: (202) 393-1044 fax: (202) 822-2168 info (at) jwj.org

We are everyday people who talk, act, and get things done on issues that impact us the most.

At Iowa CCI we truly are by the people and for the people. We don’t stand by and just let things happen; we work together to make our state a better place for everyday people. We believe in putting people first! People Before Politics People before Profits People before Polluters And, we put our communities before corporations! 515-282-0484 [email protected]

Make It Work is about making things better for hardworking women, men and families across the country. We are a community of people who share the belief that hardworking Americans shouldn't have to choose between being there for family and earning a living. We're speaking up and seeking solutions because it’s 2015, folks -- and past time all of us were able to make it work. http://makeitworkcampaign.org/ Email us at [email protected].

"UE" is the abbreviation for United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, a democratic national union representing some 35,000 workers in a wide variety of manufacturing, public sector and private nonprofit sector jobs. UE is an independent union (not affiliated with the AFL-CIO) proud of its democratic structure and progressive policies.

We're a federation of 21 state affiliates and hundreds of thousands of online activists that organize for power, democracy and change. http:// usaction.org/ USAction is a federation of 20 state affiliates that organize for power, democracy and change. With our state partners, regional & national allies, we build coalitions to win progressive campaigns. (202) 263-4520 http://www.usaction.org/ http://www.twitter.com/usaction http://www.usaction.org/blog

The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) was founded in 2007 by leading domestic manufacturers and the United Steelworkers, North Ameri- ca’s largest industrial union, with a simple mission: strengthen American manufacturing through smart public policies. 711 D Street NW, 3rd Floor Wash- ington, DC 20004 Email: [email protected] Phone: 202-393-3430 Twiter: @KeepitMadeinUSA What is Bird-dogging?

To bird dog means to seek out, to follow and watch carefully. When used in the context of campaigning, it means to seek out and attend candidate events and ask them specific questions on key issues you care about. If candidates hear the same questions every time they have an event, the impact is huge. They are forced to address our issues… and when they DO address these issues, it is likely the media and other Iowans will pick up on it as well. By bird dogging, we can help define candidates on our issues.

So, how do I bird dog?

Don’t be shy. You have every right to have your questions and concerns addressed. After all, these are either your representatives or they are wanting your vote! They should welcome the opportunity to answer your questions! Attend candidate events. Check websites, the newspaper, call campaign offices or check with the party. Once you know of an event, arrive early. Get a good seat where you can be seen and called on for a question. It’s easier if you go with friends and others… this makes it fun and gives you support. Have your question ready. Make sure to have your question prepared. And keep it to the point. Al- so have follow up questions/comments prepared in case you feel the candidate dodged the question. Be prepared to ask your question early. Many times people wait to ask a question and then it’s too late. Getting your hand up fast will help ensure you get to ask your question. Take advantage of opportunities. If you don’t get your question asked – or if there is no question and answer period, wait for the candidate to shake hands with those in attendance. Get in the line and ask your question. Take notes or ask someone to record your question. Keep track of what the candidate said. Also, take note of why they do or do not support something; it could help you frame your question the next time you ask it of that candidate. Be prepared to talk to the press. Often the media will seek out those who have asked a question. This not only gets your issue in front of the candidate, it gets it out to the general public. Share your experience. Tell others who care about your issues. Post it on social media, write a letter to the editor, talk to your friends.

During election and caucus time local, state and national candidates are out campaigning.

This is a great opportunity to make yourself heard! Bird dog candidates about the issues you care about and ask them where they stand. The Main Street Alliance works to provide small businesses a voice on the most pressing public policy issues across the nation. Our advocacy promotes vibrant businesses and healthy communities, and fosters leadership development of socially responsible business leaders. Mainstreetalliance.org

The Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) is a national grassroots organization with a mission of building progressive power. With nearly one million members, we help bold progressive candidates elected and work with them to govern progressively. We focus on economic populism and democracy issues -- including expanding Social Security benefits, Wall Street reform and accountability, and bold campaign finance reform. Boldprogressives.org

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peo- ple is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. The vision of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race. Www.naacp.org Iowa-Nebraska NAACP State Area Conference of Branches ; Ames Branch NAACP and Des Moines Branch NAACP

Corporations have their lobbyists in Washington, D.C. The people need advocates too. Public Citizen serves as the people’s voice in the nation’s capital. Since our founding in 1971, we have delved into an array of areas, but our work on each issue shares an overarching goal: To ensure that all citizens are represented in the halls of power. 1600 20th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20009 (202) 588-1000 http://www.citizen.org Do you need justice on the Job? Do you want justice on the job? Do you want security for your family? Do you want a say in your workplace? Is your safety and health at risk? - Then you need the IAM! IAM’s mission is “Service to the Community and Justice on the Job” Justice on the job starts with organizing a union. If you would like to form a union and gain these things in a collective bargaining agreement, then you need to contact us at: 888-396-4207 or 515-265-0344

Mid-Iowa Community Action Inc. (MICA) is a private nonprofit organization serving children and families in central iowa. Established in 1965 to serve children and families affected by the conditions of poverty. MICA provides early childhood health, family development and housing services as well as community enrichment programs.

Story County Mid-Iowa Community Action 126 South Kellogg, Dept. of Human Services Bldg.-lower level Ames, IA 50010 PH: 515-956-3333 HOURS: W F walk-in 9-12 & 1-4: M T Th 9-4 by apt

The University of Iowa Labor Center provides educational programs and research support to Io- wa’s working people and their organizations. Since 1951, the Labor Center has acted as a bridge between the University and Iowa’s labor community. We offer a wide range of non-credit courses designed for labor union members and leaders on topics including: steward education and contract administration, collective bargaining, labor and employment law, public policy issues, leadership development, organizing and mobilizing, economics, labor history, and much more. If you are interested in attending classes, several options are available: 319-335-4144 email is [email protected] and web page— www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu

AAUW Iowa is a state affiliate of AAUW, a nonpartisan nonprofit that is a leading voice for equity for women and girls and has been since 1881. We advance equity for women and girls through education, advocacy, philanthropy and research.

2303 Greenwood Ave, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 [email protected] 319-266-9901 Wage Theft: An Invisible Epidemic Increasingly, it’s becoming more visible as working Iowans are made aware

What is Wage Theft? Wage theft occurs whenever a worker is robbed of legally owed wages because an employer breaks the law or a contract. Com- mon forms of wage theft include:  Nonpayment of wages: An employer fails to pay workers for some or all hours of work performed, or fails to pay workers in a timely fashion.  Underpayment of wages: An employer pays workers less than they were promised or less than they are legally owed under state or federal minimum wage or overtime statutes.  Tipped job violations: An employer pays tipped employees less than the legally mandated minimum wage for tipped jobs, forces tips to be “shared” with managers or steals workers’ tips.  Deduction violations: An employer diminishes workers’ pay by making unauthorized or illegal deductions from paychecks. Misclassification of employees: An employer falsely labels an employee as an “independent contractor” in order to avoid obligations to pay minimum wage and overtime (along with a host of other employment laws, and unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and income tax payments). The “independent contractor” exemption is not meant to apply to those providing services under the direction and control of others; one example of misclassification would be to call a cashier a “salaried manager” to avoid the overtime provisions of federal law.

A study in 2012 by the Iowa Policy Project (IPP) found wage theft to be a $600 million problem in Iowa, costing $60 million in state revenue and unemployment taxes and affecting workers in a variety of occupations. Especially vulnerable are over a quarter-million low-wage workers. IPP called this an “invisible epidemic.” Since the 2012 IPP report, the problem of wage theft in Iowa has gained much more attention, and affected workers, community allies, and some elected officials continue to argue for change.

Last year, a cleaning contractor that withheld pay from a worker at a Coralville restaurant was forced to settle the case after widespread publicity. Yet even that victory showed the limitations of current law and enforcement. The worker only received her unpaid wages — no interest and no further penalty on the contractor. And hers was one of few cases that received attention while countless others stayed invisible.

To address unscrupulous practices and protect workers, the 2012 report suggested: • funding more wage theft investigators (Iowa has had, at most, 2 FTE positions), • better record-keeping by businesses and broader state inspection powers, • stronger penalties for violations, and use of civil penalties now authorized, and • greater education of employers, workers and the public about worker rights.

While some efforts to produce reforms have moved in the Iowa Legislature, they have not been enacted. Some proposals would offer new protections to workers paid by debit card to assure they would not have to pay a fee to receive their compensation.

An upcoming report from IPP and the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa will provide a fresh look at wage theft issues in Iowa. Iowa Fair Share We believe that everyone deserves a fair shot in life, and that starts with a quality education. Unfortunately, some in Congress are moving to cut billions from education. Standing up for working families and middle class values. Iowa Fair Share works to provide every Iowan with a fair shot at a good job, a secure future and a strong voice in our democracy by standing up to the conservatives and Wall Street interests who block progress at every turn. Through door-to-door canvassing and grassroots lobbying, we press local and national government to do its job and defend working families against the privileged and powerful. And, we help elect leaders who will work for a fair economy and work to defeat politicians who place ex- treme ideology and corporate profits ahead of ordinary citizens. Iowa Fair Share: info (at) iowafairshare.org (202) 461-2472 • (202) 461-3847

PFAW was founded in 1981 by Norman Lear, the late Congresswoman Barbara Jor- dan, and a group of business, civic, religious, and civil rights leaders who were dis- turbed by the divisive rhetoric of newly politicized televangelists .For over 25 years we've mobilized hundreds of thousands of Americans nationwide to fight for progressive values: equal rights, freedom of speech, religious liberty and equal justice under the law for every American. 202-467-4999 http://www.pfaw.org/

WE ARE SMART SMART, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, is one of North America’s most dynamic and diverse unions with 216,000 members. SMART’s members produce and provide the vital services that move products to market, passen- gers to their destinations and ensure the quality of the air we breathe. We are sheet metal workers, service technicians, bus operators, engineers, conductors, sign workers, welders, production employees and more. With members in scores of different occupations, we advocate for fairness in the workplace, excellence at work and opportunity for all working families. Telephone: 202-662-0800 Toll Free: 1-800-457-7694 Email: [email protected]

Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) The Iowa Chapter of MFSA began in 1976, and is one of 40 Chapters nationwide. As an affiliate of the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, MFSA seeks to move the church to be an inclusive, justice seeking and risk taking Body of Christ in the world. In seeking to transform the social order, MFSA works collaboratively with other organizations in the community on a variety of peace and social justice issues. Priorities for the broader national organization include racial justice, economic justice, an inclusive church, empowerment of women, peace and disarmament and environmental justice. For more information, please visit our website at www.mfsaiowa.org, or contact Eloise Cranke, Iowa MFSA Coordinator at 515-262-5974, or [email protected]. The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) is one of the largest and most diverse unions in North America, with members in vir- tually every sector of the economy.

UAW has been a leader in the struggle to secure economic and social justice for all people. The UAW has been actively involved in every civil rights legislative battle since the 1950s, including the campaigns to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Fair Housing Act, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988 and legislation to prohibit discrimination against women, the elderly and people with disabilities. The UAW also has played a vital role in passing such landmark legislation as Medicare and Medicaid, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Employee Retirement Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act. In Washington and state capitols, the UAW is fighting for better schools for kids, secure health care and pensions for retirees, clean air and water, tougher workplace health and safety standards, stronger worker's compensation and unemployment insurance laws and fairer taxes. The UAW's commitment to improve the lives of working men and women extends beyond our borders to encom- pass people around the globe. Through vigilant political involvement and coordination with world labor organizations, we continue to fight for enforcement of trade agreement provisions on human and worker rights, fair labor standards and a new approach to international trade — one that raises the quality of life for working people world- wide. If you are interested in organizing your workplace with the UAW, e-mail our Organizing Department or call 1-800 2GET-UAW (1-800-243-8829).

We are the United Steelworkers, North America’s largest industrial union. We’re 1.2 million members and retirees strong in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. We proudly represent men and women who work in nearly every industry there is. Our members are leaders in your communities, in your work places, in our govern- ments and more. We have a presence in the United Kingdom, Ireland, England, Scotland, Mexico and many other places around the world. Because since the beginning of our being, we have been fighting for better workplaces, better lives for everyone and a better world. 515-288-9547 [email protected] web www.uswlocal310.org Iowa Community Action Association -Iowa’s Community Action Agencies are locally-based private, non-profit organizations that network with a wide-array of local organizations to enhance the opportunities for low-income Iowans (children and families) to meet basic needs and develop their own capacity to do so. To be a forceful advocate in support of policies and services that address the needs of individuals and families striving for economic security. Iowa Community Action is the premier force ensuring those with less achieve more.Phone: 515 244-0328Fax: 515 280-3377 Email: [email protected]

The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Represents a growing force of over 160,000 active and retired men and women in the United States and Canada. Our members work in the Finishing Trades as industrial and commercial painters, drywall finishers, wall coverers, glazi- ers, glass workers, floor covering installers, sign makers, display workers, convention and show decorators and in many more exciting occupations. IUPAT members’ skills are in high demand at every construction project in North America. The IUPAT membership extends far beyond the workplace, however. Recognized as one of the most active unions in the labor movement, IUPAT members help shape their communities in many ways: through an abiding commitment to service, by fighting passionately for workers’ rights that benefit all working families, and through effective and aggressive political mobilization.

District Council 81 Servicing Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska 5738 N.W. 2nd St., Des Moines, IA 50313 PHONE: 515-289-0482

The League is dedicated to ensuring that all eligible voters – particularly those from traditionally underrepre- sented or underserved communities, including first-time voters, non-college youth, new citizens, minorities, the elderly and low-income Americans – have the opportunity and the information to exercise their right to vote

League of Women Voters of Iowa 330 N 8th Avenue East Newton, IA 50208 [email protected] Cell #(641) 275-1712

Www.lwvia.org Minimum Wage: Iowa at the Back of the Pack At $7.25 for over seven years, Iowa has waited longest to boost its minimum wage

Iowa’s low-wage workers are overdue for a raise. Iowa’s minimum wage last increased in January 2008, to $7.25, and the national minimum caught up almost 19 months later. No state has waited longer to raise its minimum, and as efforts have stalled in Washington as well, a raise for Iowa’s low-wage workers has been elusive.

Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa led the charge for an increase to $10.10 by July 2016.

Even more would benefit from a new proposal, for an increase in the national minimum wage to $12, to be phased in by July 2020. If adopted, the Economic Policy Insti- tute projects that about 436,000 Iowa workers — about 29 percent of the workforce — would receive a pay raise either directly (359,000) or indirectly (77,000) as pay scales adjust to the new minimum. As il- lustrated above, the impacts on household budgets from a minimum wage income are substantial, contrary to political arguments that dismiss the importance of the minimum wage to working parents and families.*

Costs keep rising for low-income families, while wages have not. The minimum wage doesn’t come close to a family-supporting a basic needs budget. The Iowa Policy Project’s Cost of Living in Iowa shows a single parent of two must make $28.07 per hour, full time to cover basic, no-frills expenses — $56,135 a year before taxes and credits. The minimum wage pays less than $15,000 annually.

A minimum-wage increase would boost the overall economy. A wage increase raises demand for goods and services, and low-income workers are most likely to spend new earnings in local businesses. Analysts predicted a $10.10 minimum wage in 2013 would have grown the economy by $22 billion.**

Iowans want an increase. A 2014 Des Moines Register poll found 65 percent of Iowans favor an increase in the current $7.25-per-hour minimum wage.

Absent action in Congress, Iowa lawmakers still could raise the minimum wage above the federal level (as they did in 1989 and 2007). All states bordering Iowa except Wisconsin are among the 29 states with minimum wages above the federal minimum.

* Estimates of the impact of the $12 minimum wage are from David Cooper, Economic Policy Institute, and his forth- coming 2015 report, Raising the Minimum Wage to $12 by 2020 Would Lift Wages for 38 Million American Workers. ** Economic Policy Institute, December 2013. Iowa Citizen Action Network (ICAN) is a grassroots public interest

organization 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 works in coalition with organizational affiliates from a wide range of constituencies, including religious, community, labor, senior, family farm and environmental organizations as well as with our thousands of individual members. 515-480-3240 [email protected]

Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) Founded in 1947 ADA is the nation’s oldest liberal advocacy organization and has played a role in every major movement since. ADA focuses on creating new leaders and activists by building chapters, offering activist trainings and running aggressive volunteer run GOTV programs for local, state, and federal offices. Phone: (202) 600-7762 Fax: (202) 204-8637 E-mail: [email protected]

Working America is the nation’s fastest growing organization for working families. Over 3 million members fight for good jobs and a just economy. 202-637-5137 www.workingamerica.org

Progressive Action for the Common Good:

As progressives, we empower people to take action for positive change and social justice by coordinating a network of community forums and events aimed at educating and engaging people to work for the common good of all.

Contact info:1212 W. 3rd St. Suite 3D Davenport, IA 52804 www.qcprogressiveaction.org 563-676-7580

USSA believes that education is a right and should be accessible for any student regardless of their socio- economic background and identity. We believe people who are affected directly by issues of access to higher education should be the ones identifying the solutions that make education accessible to them. There- fore, USSA is dedicated to training, organizing, and developing a base of student leaders who are utilizing those skills to engage in expanding access to higher education and advancing the broader movement for social justice.

Every Child Matters is a non-profit, non-partisan organization working to make public investments in children, youth, and families a national political priority. Our main goal is to raise the visibility of children’s issues during elections. Every Child Matters will highlight key children’s issues, including: early care and learning opportunities; child health and well-being; child safety; and child poverty. Iowans can volunteer to make children a priority with the Presidential candidates. Invest in Kids! Invest in our Future! Contacts:Kelli Soyer, State Director, [email protected] Jill Applegate, Field Organizer, [email protected] The Mission of the League of United Latin American Citizensis to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population of the United States. National Office 1133 19th Street, NW, Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20036 Phone:(202) 833-6130 TF: (877) LULAC-01 Fax: (202) 833-6135

MoveOn is a community of more than 8 million Americans from all walks of life who use innovative technology to lead, participate in, and win campaigns for progressive change. www.moveon.org Blair Lawton, Iowa Field Director 605-212-5084

The American Friends Service Committeeis an international organization rooted in Quaker values of non-violence and justice in all of its forms. In Iowa that commitment is carried out through our peace-building work to advance alternatives to US war policies; the Immigrants’ Voice Program supporting immigrant inclusion and participation in civic processes; and the Presidential Campaign Project using the 2016 campaign season to expose the corrupting influence of corporate dollars in the political and policy making processes. For more information please seewww.afsc.org/iowa or contact Kathleen McQuillen, [email protected]

The Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa (CWJ) is a membership-based organization that unites low-wage workers across race, ethnicity, and immigration status to pursue social and economic justice through education, leadership development, issue-based organizing, direct services, and community alli- ances. (319) 594-7593 [email protected] http://www.cwjiowa.org/

The Iowa Policy Project is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research organization in Iowa City. IPP promotes fact-based analysis of budget, economic and environmental issues to help Iowans engage in an informed discussion of policy choices. Find IPP reports at www.iowapolicyproject.org and www.iowafiscal.org, and see IPP's blog at IowaPolicy- Points.org. Contact IPP at (319) 338-0773, or [email protected]. The mission of the Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans is to create a statewide network of organizations in order to educate and inform the membership, the public, and elected officials about issues that affect the well-being of retirees and senior citizens, so that they may all work to- wards advancing and achieving just and equitable living conditions for retirees and senior citizens within the state and the nation. Our purpose is threefold; to educate, motivate, and activate. email: [email protected] tel: (515) 252-1861 website: http://iowaretiredamericans.org/

Progress Iowa is a statewide organization powered by a community of more than 30,000 progressives, focused on research, education, and advocacy. Www.progressiowa.org Facebook—progressiowa Twitter @Progressiowa

South Central Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO representing over 30,000 union members in 15 counties. The mission of South Central is to improve the lives of working families—to bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to our state and the nation. To accomplish this mission, we work to: Build a broad movement of south central Iowa workers by helping workers join and form unions. Support Iowa workers as they bargain with employers to improve their living conditions and workplaces, as well as their communities, state and nation. Strengthen the voice of Iowa's working families at all levels of government and in a changing global economy. FB—South Central Iowa Federation of Labor, web—www.scifl.org 515-265-1862

Founded by legendary conservationist John Muir in 1892, the Sierra Club is now the nation's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization -- with more than two million members and supporters. Our successes range from protecting millions of acres of wilderness to helping pass the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. More recently, we've made history by leading the charge to move away from the dirty fossil fuels that cause climate disruption and toward a clean energy economy. 85 Second Street, 2nd Floor San Francisco, CA 94105 USA Phone: 415-977-5500 http://www.sierraclub.org/ Fax: 415-977-5797 The American Legislative Exchange Council, or “ALEC” is a Washington, DC based group funded almost entirely by corporations, corporate linked foun- dations, big business associations, insurance companies, and the super-rich. AL- EC was formed in 1973 by a group of conservative activists who came together to advance a national right-wing agenda in state legislatures across the country. ALEC promotes an agenda that is anti-worker on behalf of its corporate funders, including privatization of government services, and the deregulation of most industry.

Another way to push back ALEC’s agenda is through SIX The State Innovation Exchange, SiX, is a new “action tank” that aims to achieve long-term progressive policy gains in states and localities across the US Elected officials and staff across the country are writing legislation that will shape our future. At SiX, we provide trusted, expert resources to inform and enhance that work. Together, we’re building the legislative wing of the progressive movement. SiX aims to encourage cross-pollination among states, providing a platform for the best ideas to spread and grow. We’re an ally in tough fights, and we provide cover in places where our resources make the biggest impact. With a SiX account, users can access a legislative library, follow the activity of key legislators, and track issues as they evolve in each of the states. It’s an unprecedented set of tools designed to ensure the best thinking on current issues is used to advance progressive legislation in all 50 states. https://www.facebook.com/stateinnovationexchange The men and women of LIUNA do the hard, dangerous and sometimes dirty work of building our counties.

LIUNA—the Laborers’ International Union of North America—is the most progressive, aggressive and fastest-growing union of construction workers, and one of the most diverse and effective unions representing public service employees. LIUNA members are on the forefront of the construction industry—a sector that is a powerhouse of 12 million workers producing 5 percent of our countries’ economic out- put. A half-million strong, we are united through collective bargaining agreements which help us earn family-supporting pay, good benefits and the opportunity for advancement and better lives. 905 16th Street, Northwest Washington, DC 20006 202-737-8320

WILPF members create the peaceful transformation they wish to see in the world by making connections that:

Provide continuity with the past so that knowledge of historical events and patterns informs current activities for change Create analysis and action that reflect and reinforce each other Link and challenge root causes of oppression, especially racism, sexism, heterosexism, militarism, economic dispar- ity, and political disempowerment Build and strengthen relationships and movements for justice, peace, and radical democracy

Des Moines Iowa Area Local—

44 and the Iowa Postal

Workers Union support Working Families all over Iowa

APWU.org Apwuiowa.com 515-265-7371 563-599-7725

The Communications Workers of America CWA represents 700,000 workers in private and public sector employment in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico in 1,200 chartered CWA local unions. In 10,000 communities across the United States, CWA members work in telecommunications and information technology, the airline industry, news media, broadcast and cable television, education, health care and public service, law enforcement, manufacturing and other fields. CWA is opposed to the TPP. The TPP is much more than a “free- trade” agreement. It is part of the overall corporate and Wall Street agenda to make the world safe for corporate investment and profits by reducing labor costs and under- cutting workers’ rights; dis- mantling labor, environmental, health and finan- cial laws and regulations that could impact profits; and setting up a process to resolve any disputes by going through special international tribunals ra- ther than our own court system.

Read more at: http://www.cwa-union.org/issues/entry/c/trans-pacific_free_trade_agreement