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D e a s ow Moines I NEWS IOWAVolume 16, Issue 3 Official Publication of the Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO October 2016 The President's View . . . Four New Iowa Area Labor Organizations Announced Federation (WILF) in the north west Jasper, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Vista, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cher- and west coast of Iowa. Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Mon- okee, Clay, Crawford, Dickenson, Great River is comprised of the roe, Polk, Poweshiek, Story, Van Bu- Emmet, Freemont, Hamilton, Harri- following counties: son, Humboldt, Ida, Kossuth, Allamakee, Clayton, Lyon, Mills, Monona, Mont- Clinton, Des Moines, gomery, O’Brien, Osceola, IFL President Ken Sagar Dubuque, Fayette, Page, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Henry, Jackson, Pocahontas, Pottawattamie, In order to form a more per- Lee, Louisa, Mus- Ringgold, Sac, Shelby, fect union, the AFL-CIO has been catine, Scott and Sioux, Taylor, Union, working with the Central Labor Winneshiek. Webster, and Wood- Councils to merge them into larger Hawkeye is com- bury. and more financially stable organi- prised of: Benton, Three have hired zations with the ability to support Black Hawk, Bremer, staff, Great River full time staff. Buchanan, Butler, Ce- has hired Julia Mc- There are now 4 Area Labor Or- dar, Cerro Gordo, Meekan, South Cen- ganizations in Iowa. They are the Chickasaw, Delaware, tral has hired Sandy Op- Great River Area Labor Federa- Floyd, Franklin, Grundy, stvedt and Western Iowa tion (GRALF) on the east coast of Hancock, Hardin, How- has hired Scott Punteney. Iowa, Hawkeye Area Labor Coun- ard, Iowa, Jones, Linn, Hawkeye is still in the inter- cil (HALC) in the east and north Marshall, Mitchell, Tama, view process and will be hiring central Iowa, South Central Iowa Winnebago, Worth and Wright. in the coming weeks. Federation of Labor (SCIFL) in the South Central is comprised of: ren, Wapello, Warren and Wayne. We encourage everyone to en- central and south central portion of Appanoose, Boone, Clarke, Dallas, Western Iowa is comprised of: gage with the new organizations the state and Western Iowa Labor Davis, Decatur, Greene, Guthrie, Adair, Adams, Audubon, Buena and build a better Iowa. I Am Voting For My Union By Ken Sagar, need to make sure we have a plan to ing rights for the IFL President vote. If you have already voted ab- public sector union As the election draws near, we sentee or early voted, thank you for members. That par- participating in our democracy. ty calls for “. . . leg- I have talked with many people, islation that would either door knocking, phoning or eliminate all public at meetings and many are not too sector unions.” (Di- I am voting for candidates who excited about the choices. I under- rectly from the Re- will protect my union. stand what you are telling me. publican Party of PAID I am voting for my union. I am Iowa platform.) I am voting to protect the U.S. POSTAGE U.S. PRESORT INC PRESORT voting to make sure that the union Over the many organization that gets me good NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT movement that has provided me the years I have had opportunity to raise my children, the opportunity to wages, keeps my benefits and educate them, keep food on the ta- vote, I may or may keeps my workplace safe. ble and roof over their heads. not have had such Sound too simple? It’s not hard to a clear choice. This come to this conclusion. election is about One party fully embraces the the continuation elimination of the trade union of the labor move- movement. One party is in favor of ment and its abil- national Right to Work. Our gover- ity to function as an equalizer in the I am voting for union endorsed nor for life would like nothing more struggle with the corporations and candidates. I am voting for my than to destroy collective bargain- the 1%. union.

Secretary-Treasurer’s Notes Iowa FoL Lame Duck And & Iowa CLC Inside This The TPP Endorsements Issue ...... Page 3 ...... Pages 4-5 Iowa AFL-CIO Iowa News AFL-CIO Federation of Labor, Iowa A St., Suite 2000 Walker 50317 Des Moines, Iowa Page 2 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS October 2016 Flip It Over And VOTE!

On the back side of your bal- lieve the courts should be free from lot, there is a very important issue: political and financial influence, judges. that it is in everyone’s best interests Iowa has “a judicial retention to have courts in Iowa remain fair election” system. Judges stand for and impartial. retention election near the end of In a thesis written by Florida First their term of office. In a retention District Court of Appeals Judge, Pe- election, judges do not have oppo- ter Webster, on “Selection and re- nents. Instead, voters decide wheth- tention of judges, is there one best er or not to retain a judge in office. If method” he stated, “. . . judges are a judge receives a simple majority of not politicians – they are charged “yes” votes, they serve another full with interpreting the law, not mak- term. First term Judges also face a ing it. Moreover, judges do not and retention vote. should not have a constituency. There are some political groups They do not represent anyone. attempting to bring politics into our Rather, they represent the law.” judicial system. “Justice not Poli- Flipping over your ballot, and tics” is a coalition that is working to voting YES for the judges, will be keep politics out of the courts. “Io- ing its fairness and impartiality,” page. “Justice not Politics” repre- a big step in keeping politics out of wa’s merit selection and retention states the “Justice not Politics” web sents thousands of Iowans who be- the courts. process keeps politics and campaign money out of our courts, safeguard-

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Volunteers Needed For Labor 2016

D e a s ow Moines I NEWS IOWA This election appears to be a close Labor 2016 Offices around Iowa: Marshalltown one, it is critical that union members 1149 UFCW The Iowa AFL-CIO News is the and our families go to the polls and LABOR CAMPAIGN OFFICES 803 N 3rd Ave official publication of the vote this year. A large percentage of Marshalltown, IA 50158 Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO union members in Iowa are regis- Cedar Rapids 641-752-0464 2000 Walker St., Suite A tered to vote, yet in the last few elec- IBEW Local 405 Des Moines, Iowa 50317 tions too many of us failed to show 1211 Wiley Blvd SW Quad Cities and is published quarterly. up. Cedar Rapids, IA 53404 UFCW Local 431 And the results show that there Rick Moyle 2411 W. Central Park (515) 262-9571 were several races that were lost by 319-396-8461 Davenport, IA 52804 a very few votes. Tracy Leone iowaaflcio.org Along with our affiliates and Council Bluffs 309-738-3196 CLCs, the Iowa Federation of Labor TBD has developed a statewide election Quad Cities plan to get the labor vote out. Re- Des Moines USW 105 Officers lease staff can’t do this alone. 2000 Walker St, Suite A 880 Devils Glenn Road Des Moines, IA 50317 Bettendorf, Iowa 52806 & Staff We need your help. Mark Fallis Tracy Leone Make sure you are registered to 515-262-9571 309-738-3196 vote and that you are in the right President voting area. Dubuque Ottumwa KEN D. SAGAR You can vote early starting Sep- Labor Temple TBD [email protected] tember 29! There are satellite voting 1610 Garfield places all over Iowa, you just have Dubuque, IA 521001 Sioux City Secretary/Treasurer CHARLIE WISHMAN to go to your county auditors web WILF [email protected] page or call them to see where those Iowa City 3038 S. Lakeport sites are located. The Secretary of 940 S Gilbert Ct, Sioux City, IA 51106 State Political Director State (Iowa) web page sos.iowa.gov Iowa City, Iowa 52240 BETTY BRIM-HUNTER also has a list of where you can vote, [email protected] forms to get and other voting infor- mation such as: Communications Director Absentee Ballot request Go to: LANCE COLES Voter Registration [email protected] Go to Iowalabornews.com and check out the list of Union endorsed iowalabornews.com Political Organizer candidates and current labor walks. BEN MURRY [email protected] We are stronger together. That and click on Election 2016 is what union membership is all Political Organizer about. If we work together dur- for more information on TRACY LEONE ing this election period to get more [email protected] union sisters and brothers to vote walks, phone calling and for our endorsed candidates, we Bookkeeper will restore the balance of power, other needs JAMIE MILLER stop attacks on working people and [email protected] build an economy that works for ev- eryone. Iowa ARA Organizer We need volunteers to knock on SUE DINSDALE door, make phone calls, and help [email protected] get out the vote! To Volunteer contact: Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO 2000 Walker, Suite A Des Moines IA 50317 (812) 923-1111 515-262-9571 AFL-CIO [email protected]. October 2016 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS Page 3

The Secretary-Treasurer's Notes . . . Lame Duck And The TPP towards becoming law? It’s called “lame duck,” and it’s something we all have to be worried about. For now, there is no vote on TPP expected until at least after the elec- tion. A growing bi-partisan resis- tance to this has built since the first vote on a trade related matter – TPA or “Trade Promotion Authority.” The so called “lame duck” period IFL Secretary-Treasurer is the time between the election and Charlie Wishman when a new President and congress It’s that time of the year. No, I are sworn in. In this case, there will don’t mean that it’s election time, it’s be many retiring Senators and Con- Buryr Halloween! And, with Halloween gressional representatives, leaving right around the corner, we should them no accountability to voters all be expecting some of the most for their votes. The President of the popular costumes like zombies, United States, the deal’s biggest vampires, and other creatures back cheerleader, will not be on a ballot from the grave at our doors soon. ever again, and has no accountabil- Sadly, one piece of legislation ity for advocating for or signing leg- that we’ve been warning you about islation, in this case, TPP. for years is back from the grave As we’ve pointed out for years too. You’d think that with all of the since this deal has been in the major Democratic and Republi- works, there isn’t anywhere near can candidates for President left at enough worker, consumer, or envi- T their parties’ conventions opposing ronmental protections in the deal. the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal, Furthermore, this deal expands the PP it would be dead, but you would power of corporations in numerous be wrong. Hillary Clinton, Bernie ways giving them powers to erode Sanders, Donald Trump, and even national sovereignty and was writ- Ted Cruz all opposed this deal, and ten primarily to benefit them. FOR GOOD “no TPP!” became a battle cry at As always, our work doesn’t end both party’s national conventions. after the election is over. It never  Congressman Dave Loebsack  US Senator Charles Grassley So with the bases and standard does. We always have to hold our (has opposed TPP) – (202) 225-6576 (has supported TPP) – 515-288-1145 bearers of both major parties op- elected officials accountable until  Congressman David Blum (has  US Senator (has sup- posing this disastrous trade deal, their final day in office. supported TPP) – (202) 225-291 ported TPP) – (202) 224-3254 and congressional and Senate can- It’s important to contact your  Congressman David Young Don’t rest on your laurels after didates running away from the congressman and US Senators right (has supported TPP) – (202) 225-5476 the election – we may need to mobi- TPP, why would this bad trade deal now to let them know you oppose  Congressman Steve King (has lize and defeat the TPP once and for crawl out of its grave and shamble this deal: supported TPP) – 202.225.4426 all. We Can Win The Fight Against The TPP By Steve Abbott, mental entities for “loss of ex- IFL Board Member and pected future profits”. Imag- CWA Member ine a collective bargaining In the lame duck session agreement where the workers after the elections a push will are given reparations if the be made to pass the Trans-Pa- employer does anything that cific Partnership. The White would lead to loss of future House, along with a plethora income. ISDS is the multi-na- of corporate and industry tional’s equivalent. lobbyists, will blanket mem- ISDS destroys local control bers of Congress with assur- and the ability to do what is ances of what a great deal best for it’s citizens, only to we are in store for. An up or be trumped in a kangaroo, down vote will take place in lobbyist dominated world which U.S. Citizens and con- court that is outside the reach sumers are taken through a of our judicial system. Pan- carnival spook house of bad els of three corporate head outcomes. This is scary folks. spinners will decide possible There is a holiday present damages against the citizens, for almost all multi-national causing tax money to be used corporations to further en- as dividends to shareholders. hance the corporate bottom The fight against the line at the expense of every- TPP can be won. A large day people. Greed will be at majority of Americans op- a premium. Ethics and morality at Dispute Resolution Process (ISDS) on the bone” for corporations to try pose the agreement and with a a minimum. Sweet corporate deals cottage industry. In this “trade to remove. continued fight by the 750 or so include reduced environmental agreement” there are some twenty ISDS may be the icing on the cake groups,including every labor union oversite, erosion of workers rights, chapters while only five or six talk when it comes to bad ideas. It may in the nation, we can win this. We a food safety system that will keep about trade. We already have trade be used in other trade agreements owe it to ourselves, our families, our you wondering where it came from, deals with many of the countries but there is a meteoric rise in the communities and our sovereignty. and loss of sovereignty through involved but it is evident that we numbers of cases where companies We can win. We need to defeat an ever expanding Investor State must of left some democracy “meat sue individual countries or govern- the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Page 4 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS October 2016 Iowa Federation Of Labor & Iowa CLC Endorsements 2016

PATTY JUDGE MONICA VERNON U.S. Senate U.S. House 1st District HILLARY CLINTON President HOUSE DISTRICTS (HD) HOUSE DISTRICTS (HD) HD 7: Dave Grussing HD 56: GENERAL ELECTION HD 9: HD 57: Tom Stecher ENDORSEMENTS HD 11: Sara Huddleston HD 58: Jessica Kean HD 12: Ken Myers HD 59: President: Hillary Clinton HD 13: HD 60: Gary Kroeger (Endorsement made by AFL-CIO) HD 14: Timothy Kacena HD 61: Timi Brown-Powers HD 15: Charlie McConkey HD 62: Ras Smith US Senate: Patty Judge HD 16: Steve Gorman HD 63: Teresa Meyer HD 17: Jan Creasman HD 64: Bruce Bearinger CD 1: Monica Vernon HD 19: Bryce Smith HD 65: CD 2: Dave Loebsack HD 25: Justin Knight HD 66: Art Stead CD 3: Jim Mowrer HD 26: HD 67: Mark Seidl CD 4: Kim Weaver HD 27: Rich Higdon HD 68: Molly Donahue HD 28: Martin Duffy IV HD 69: Kirsten Running-Marquardt IOWA STATE HOUSE and HD 29: HD 70: SENATE ENDORSEMENTS HD 30: Joe Riding HD 71: Mark Smith HD 31: Rick Olson HD 72: Nathan Wrage SENATE DISTRICTS (SD) HD 32: HD 74: Dave Jacoby SD 4: Susan Bangert HD 33: HD 75: Paula Denison SD 8: Mike Gronstal HD 34: Bruce Hunter HD 76: Jacob Tornholm SD 10: Matt Paladino HD 35: Ako Abdul Samad HD 77: SD 16 HD 36: HD 81: SD 20: Miyoko Hikiji HD 37: Andrea Phillips HD 83: SD 22: Andrew Barnes HD 38: HD 84: Carrie Duncan SD 26: Mary Jo Wilhelm HD 39: Maridith Morris HD 85: SD 28: Jan Heikes HD 40: John Forbes HD 86: SD 30: Jeff Danielson HD 41: HD 88: Ryan Drew SD 32: Brian Schoenjahn HD 42: HD 89: SD 34: HD 43: Jennifer Konfrst HD 90: SD 36: Steve Sodders HD 45: Beth Wessel-Krochell HD 91: Phil Wiese SD 38: Dennis Mathahs HD 46: HD 92: Ken Krumwiede SD 42: Rich Taylor HD 47: Deb Duncan HD 93: SD 44: Thomas Courtney HD 48: Sherrie Taha HD 95: Richard Whitehead SD 46: Chris Brase HD 50: Doris Fritz HD 96: Matt Hanlon SD 48: Scott Peterson HD 51: Tim Hejhal HD 97: Jeff Wolf SD 50: HD 52: HD 98: HD 53: Sharon Steckman HD 99: Abby Finkenauer HD 55: Pat Ritter HD 100: October 2016 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS Page 5 Iowa Federation Of Labor & Iowa CLC Endorsements 2016

DAVE LOEBSACK JIM MOWRER KIM WEAVER U.S. House 2nd District U.S. House 3rd District U.S. House 4th District

CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL ENDORSEMENTS for LOCAL RACES

Hawkeye Labor Council Iowa City Federation of Labor Stacey Walker, Linn County Supervisor Rod Sullivan, Johnson County Supervisor Brent Oleson, Linn County Supervisor Lisa Green Douglass, Johnson County Supervisor Ben Rogers, Linn County Supervisor Travis Weipert, Johnson County Auditor Joan Flecksing, Benton County Supervisor Lonnie Pulkrabek, Johnson County Sheriff Doug Klein, Cedar County Supervisor Des Moines Henry County Labor Council Black Hawk Union Council Mike Johnstone, Des Moines County Sheriff Chris Schwartz, Black Hawk County Supervisor Lee County Labor Council Quad City Federation of Labor Gary Folluo, Lee County Supervisor Scott Tunnicliff, Scott County Supervisor Stacy Weber, Lee County Sheriff Roxanna Moritz, Scott County Auditor Peter Bawden, Scott County Sheriff Dubuque Federation of Labor Jane Duax, Scott County Supervisor Dave Baker, Dubuque County Supervisor Kas Kelly, Muscatine County Supervisor Denise Dolan, Dubuque County Auditor Nathan Reichert, Muscatine County Supervisor NW Iowa Labor Council Clinton Labor Congress Jackie Smith, Woodbury County Supervisor Ed Staszewski, Clinton County Supervisor Pat Gill, Woodbury County Auditor Eric Van Lancker, Clinton County Auditor Dave Drew, Woodbury County Sheriff Rick Lincoln, Clinton County Sheriff

South Central Federation of Labor Mark Cooper, Public Hospital Trustee Shelli Off, Public Hospital Trustee Roseanne Norris, Public Hospital Trustee Bill McCarthy, Polk County Sheriff Randall Schlutz, Keokuk County Supervisor VOTE November 8th Page 6 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS October 2016 Iowa Letter Carrier Goes RUNNING WITH RYAN Out on his route, Mason City, abilities can accomplish much more IA Branch 471 carrier Brad Gentz than expected. Ryan loved the idea, had seen a boy sitting in his front and his mother was convinced. “If yard under a tree, in a wheelchair, Ryan wants to do it, I’m all for it,” on sunny days. He didn’t know she said. the boy’s name. But one sunny day All they needed was $7,500 for last summer, an idea popped into the special chair. Gentz’s mind that would change Gentz reached out to friends and both of their lives. family to raise the funds through An avid runner, Gentz had a Facebook page called “Running watched a television documentary with Ryan.” He distributed T-shirts, about a father who runs in mara- too, and students at Osage High thons while pushing his son in a School, where everyone knew of wheelchair. “I thought about that Ryan but few knew him as a friend, boy who sits outside,” he said. began wearing the shirts and sup- “The very next day, I delivered the porting his cause. mail and there’s Ryan at the mail- In September, the Osage High box.” School girls volleyball team invited Ryan Hemman, he soon learned, Ryan to speak at a game about his was a 15-year-old with spina bifida quest to run with Gentz. Ryan, shy who was paralyzed from the waist and not used to attention, read his down and who rarely went any- speech and received a standing ova- where beyond school, home or the tion. hospital. Spina bifida occurs when Ryan and everyone else in the a baby is in the womb and its spi- gym were in for a surprise. Instead nal column does not close all of the of taking months to raise money way, usually causing paralysis and and order the chair, the donations other severe health problems. had come in fast and the chair com- Gentz approached Ryan’s parents pany, Adaptive Star, had rushed his with an idea: Could he push Ryan order. Gentz unveiled the brand- in a marathon? new chair right then and there. “His mother said, ‘Are you out “I got done with the speech, and of your mind?’ ” Gentz recalled. I turned around and there was the Ryan’s heavy motorized wheelchair chair,” Ryan told Runner’s World. couldn’t be pushed; he also had se- Gentz strapped Ryan in and vere medical issues that kept him pushed him through the school. near home and made even a minor A crowd of supporters lined their infection life-threatening. His moth- path. With a police escort, they ran er, Tami Hemman, was concerned the mile to Ryan’s house. about Ryan’s safety in the middle of A few days later, Gentz and Ryan a crowded race. ran in a 5K race that raised funds for But Gentz had done his research. Children’s Hos- “It means everything to us,” Tami lebrity in his town and has many He showed Ryan and his mother a pital, where Ryan had undergone Hemman said. “We never expected supportive friends in his school, picture of an adaptive chair custom- 17 surgeries. Fellow runners and him to be able to do anything like and a dedicated letter carrier has built by a company in Washington spectators responded with enthusi- that.” shown his community what inclu- state specifically for the purpose of astic support. But that was just the beginning. sion of people with disabilities is running safely while pushing some- “I was so, so surprised at how A local TV station and newspapers all about—and also formed a deep one with a disability. Gentz has a many runners and how many peo- ran stories about the 5K. “Then the bond with the quiet kid sitting un- daughter with autism and has vol- ple were at the finish line support- money rolled in,” Gentz said. “It der a tree on his route. unteered with Special Olympics, ing me,” Ryan told KGAN Channel really just exploded into this huge, “He went from being this little so he knew that people with dis- 2 in Iowa City. huge thing.” When Runner’s World boy in a wheelchair,” Gentz said, published an article, the “and now, anywhere he goes, he’s story made its way beyond like a rock star. It’s changed his life Iowa and the donations dramatically. piled up even more. Ryan “It’s changed me, too,” Gentz soon was autographing his added. “The friendship I have with T-shirts and fielding report- Ryan is second to none.” Gentz has ers’ questions. taken Ryan to football games and With more than enough wrestling meets along with more money to pay for the wheel- runs. “He’s an unbelievable kid. chair, Gentz and Ryan gave Just a true blessing. It’s really a ful- some to the hospital and used filling journey.” the rest to start a local chapter Gentz thinks back to the end of of My Team Triumph, an or- their inaugural run, which finished ganization that pairs athletes with runners entering Kinnick Sta- with people in wheelchairs to dium, home to Ryan’s beloved Uni- compete in races. versity of Iowa Hawkeyes. “Everyone who’s like Out of his chair and lying on the me,” Ryan said, “in a wheel- football field to rest, Ryan began to chair—they can do some- cry. Gentz was worried—was Ryan thing like this.” hurt? The pair has since run in But they were tears of joy. other races and plan to run “I never thought you could feel in more. But running really this good,” Ryan told him. isn’t the point, of course. A “That was the most awesome shy young man who once feeling in the world,” Gentz said. had few friends is now a ce- — The Postal Record October 2016 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS Page 7 The Senior Vote Could Make The Difference In Iowa In 2016 By Midge Slater and cut its ability to provide care for We must make sure that our guar- ing millionaires pay their fair share. Robert Roach, Jr. millions of older Americans. In con- anteed benefits are not gambled She will expand Social Security Iowa seniors have tremendous trast, while attacks on core retiree away on the stock market, and that for those who are treated unfairly political clout this election year. programs continued, income in- the retirement age is not raised for by the current system --including Today more than 500,000 people in equality grows larger. Proposals to future generations. women who are widows and those Iowa are age 65 or older, and that raise the minimum wage failed. For Similarly Medicare remains one who took significant time out of the figure is only expected to grow as more than a decade, the wealthiest of the most popular government paid workforce to take care of their the Baby Boom Generation ages. Americans have received trillions programs ever – but there are many children, aging parents, or ailing Nationally 72% of citizens age in tax breaks while older Americans who wish to change it. That’s why family members. 65 and older voted in the seniors are speaking She will defend health care for se- November 2012 election, out against those who niors. She has and will oppose Re- the best turnout of any age want to privatize it, or publican efforts to privatize Medi- group. In Iowa that number shift more costs to se- care, raise the eligibility age or shift was 85%! People under age niors, or raise the age costs to seniors. 45 are much less likely to for Medicare eligibility. In the race for Senate, voters will vote. Seniors have a lot also be able to determine if Sen. There are several reasons at stake. Our pensions truly speaks for Io- for this, including the voter and our retirement se- wa’s retirees. Since Senator Chuck registration process. Every curity are being chal- Grassley took office in 1981, he has time a person moves to a lenged and threatened consistently supported efforts to new address or even changes their have seen rising drug, health care, state-by-state. Politicians, corpora- weaken Social Security and Medi- name, they must re-register to vote. food, and energy costs. tions, and even our courts are all care and cut benefits. Despite his Older voters tend to be more stable. It is up to us to advocate for those chipping away at retirement ben- assertion that “Grassley works for Working-age voters must often issues on which older Americans efits and promised healthcare that Iowa,” he does not work for Iowa’s squeeze in a visit to their voting lo- depend for a respectable quality of workers earned throughout their seniors. cation early in the morning on their life in retirement. The 2015 Voting careers. Retirees cannot afford to be com- way to work or late in the evening. Record reflects how committed our In the presidential race, there are placent this November. It is clear Retirees don’t face the same time elected representatives are to re- sharp, clear contrasts between Hill- which candidates are pro-worker crunch. Also, more and more seniors tirees and older Americans. Use it ary Clinton and other candidates on and pro-senior. Please keep these vote by absentee ballot – so getting to educate yourself on where your senior issues and retirees. differences in mind and vote for the to the polls is less of an issue. elected representatives stand. You Secretary Clinton had a 100% pro- candidates who always put your in- Senior citizens have a vested in- can see the online record at: https:// retiree voting record from the Alli- terests first. terest in protecting the valuable So- retiredamericans.org/voting- ance for Retired Americans as a U.S. Midge Slater is the president of the cial Security and Medicare benefits record/ Senator. She has pledged to protect Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans. they receive from the federal gov- In this age of growing inequal- and expand Social Security. Her Re- She has been active in the union move- ernment. For many, these benefits ity, shrinking savings, and small or publican opponent once called So- ment for years, notably as a local officer are the only way they are able to non-existent pensions, Social Secu- cial Security a “Ponzi Scheme,” and of CWA. She was staff for the Alliance live with some measure of indepen- rity is more important than ever. the Republican Party platform calls for Retired Americans and was voted in dence and dignity. The Alliance for Retired Americans for privatizing it. as president in 2015. Yet there are seniors who repeat- is working to ensure that seniors are Only Hillary Clinton will Robert Roach, Jr. is president of the edly vote against their own inter- educated about the need to protect strengthen and expand Social Se- Alliance for Retired Americans. He was ests, due to lack of information, and expand Social Security. Seniors curity by lifting the Social Security previously General Secretary‐Treasur- being more isolated and often get- need to vote to make sure that our payroll tax cap, protecting the pro- er of the IAMAW. For more informa- ting their information from televi- benefits are not cut or privatized. gram for future generations by mak- tion, visit www.retiredamericans.org. sion, radio, and misleading mailers funded by big corporations and rich individuals. When we look at the voting re- Voter cords of our Iowa Delegation, the choice is clear. In January of 2015 a new Con- Information gress went to Washington DC and For early voting information, contact your County was sworn in. Unfortunately, the Auditor’s office. For more voter information, contact unproductive legacy of the last sev- the Iowa Secretary of State’s office: eral Congresses was continued. In issues that affect retirees, the Iowa sos.iowa.gov delegation, for the most part, had an Secretary of State abysmal voting record. First Floor, Lucas Building As America ages, issues like retire- 321 E. 12th St. ment security, the declining availabil- Des Moines, IA 50319 ity of guaranteed pensions and threats 515- 281-5204 to the Social Security and Medicare systems continue. Our own Iowa delegation, with the exception of Congressman Dave Loebsack, continued their as- saults on our core retiree programs of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid as well as the pro-retiree provisions of the 2010 Affordable Care Act. We deserve better. Many in Congress voted to priva- tize Medicare and create a voucher- like system in its place. Many, too, voted to turn Medicaid into a block grant system, which would under- Page 8 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS October 2016 Veterans: Vote November 8th By Danny Homan ond-largest voting bloc after His- Trump doesn’t deserve a single him, just like everything else in “When people come back from panics, according to Bloomberg veteran’s vote. He’s counting on his life. Whether it was insulting a war and combat, and they see Politics. A draft-dodger himself, the veteran vote being handed to Gold Star family, the recent PTSD things that maybe a lot of the folks comments, or any one of the end- in this room have seen many times less insults hurled by Mr. Trump, I over, and you’re strong and you can wouldn’t be so sure of that veteran handle it. But a lot of people can’t support if I were him. handle it.’’ These unconscionable I served in the United States words were uttered earlier this Army from 1971 – 1973. I’m also month to an audience of veterans the President of AFSCME Iowa by none other than Donald Trump. Council 61. A crossover amongst Downplaying the reality of PTSD veterans and union members is and suggesting that it makes one that we’re historically dutiful vot- weak is one of the most dangerous ers. We recognize that our future things I’ve ever heard. The Depart- depends on us exercising our right ment of Veterans Affairs calculated to vote. If you have found yourself, that in 2014, 20 veterans committed even just for a moment, consider- suicide every single day. This isn’t ing sitting this one out and stay- a sign of weakness; it’s an epidemic ing home on Election Day – don’t. and a call to attention. Simply put, There’s too much at stake. Our someone who considers PTSD a service to our country continues weakness is unfit to be Command- each and every time we cast a bal- er in Chief. lot. Please join me, if you haven’t Active-duty personnel, veter- already, and make your voice – our ans, and their families are the sec- voice – heard on November 8th. Ideas For Doorstep Discussions By Mike Owen in per pupil spending, which keeps Farmers already doing this would million to 186 companies that paid no In the final weeks of the 2016 cam- schools below 2 percent growth on not be affected. Others would have state income tax— and about 85 per- paign, what are you discussing with average over the last seven years. to get on board. Read more on our cent of that to companies so large candidates when they show up at Schools’ costs are higher — and website, www.iowapolicyproject. that they claimed at least $500,000 your door, or with your neighbors keep in mind: Not everyone gets org. in credits. when you show up at their door? that increase. Any year you lose stu- For context, that same $42 mil- Iowa lawmakers will face many dents, you lose ground even more. TAX POLICY lion would have paid for about 1 challenges when they convene in Further complications come with How do we pay for what’s above? percent growth in per pupil school January. Some issues will be new, costs. But key lawmakers claimed but some are held over from years the state could not afford more for of inaction. Let’s look at four areas schools. of concern for Iowans in 2017. In short:  Will candidates tell you how WAGES they will pay for tax cuts? The latest Census data show 12  Will they assure that if regres- percent of Iowans and 14 percent sive taxes are raised, they will offset of Iowa kids in poverty. IPP’s Cost increases on lower-income Iowans, of Living in Iowa research shows with an expanded Earned Income 19 percent of working families — Tax Credit or other means? almost 1 in 5 — don’t make enough  Will they, once and for all, for a bare-bones household budget. crack down on Iowa’s reckless tax- Yet: credit giveaways to business?  The minimum wage will have Feel free to keep these ideas been at $7.25 for nine years while inequities in the school funding sys- Iowa’s tax structure is regressive. and questions by your door, or in workers’ costs have increased. tem that have not been addressed This means that people at lower in- your pocket. Maybe they’ll come in  No legislation has passed to in over 40 years. If that were not comes pay more of a share of their handy. combat the $600 million problem enough, lawmakers now ignore the meager income in state and local Mike Owen is executive director of of wage theft in Iowa. law requiring them to set school taxes than do those at the top. Many the nonpartisan Iowa Policy Project.  Child Care Assistance is out of funding a full year in advance so actions by past legislatures have Contact him at: reach to many low-income working that schools can plan and negoti- compounded this — a drive toward [email protected] families because of Iowa’s overly ate contracts. Will Iowans demand increased sales taxes and lower in- Everyone at the Iowa Policy Proj- restrictive eligibility. At just over something different? come taxes, and more tax breaks for ect appreciates the support from Iowa $11 an hour, a single parent work- business. workers and their unions since the ing full time loses all child care ben- WATER QUALITY When the Legislature convenes, founding of the organization in 2001 by efits for her child — about $4,600 in The long-term decline in Iowa past attempts and the current cam- Mark Smith and David Osterberg. IPP lost resources that a small pay raise water quality is well-established, paign indicate there will be propos- is funded by a combination of founda- won’t recover. and prompting action. A lawsuit in als to cut income taxes to help the tion grants, individual contributions We know a minimum wage of Des Moines seeking accountability wealthiest taxpayers, and produce and donations by Iowa labor organi- even $12 would benefit more than for pollution, and impatience with less revenue. Are candidates ad- zations. If your local union has not 400,000 Iowans. That’s more than lawmakers in adequately funding dressing how they will pay for such contributed to IPP in 2016, there is a quarter of all Iowa workers. Four water and other environmental pro- cuts? no better time to do so. Such sup- counties are acting on their own to grams despite voters’ direction in Also, corporate tax breaks have port makes our tax, budget and raise the minimum wage and more 2010, have contributed to pressure. become very costly. This spending family prosperity research possible. may do so. Pressure is building for a IPP has offered “Choose Two” — an is often shrouded in secrecy because IPP presents certificates to labor orga- statewide increase. Both wages and idea to step beyond the inadequate, it comes through the tax code and nizations contributing at the platinum work supports need attention. voluntary state Nutrient Reduction not the open budget process. What ($1,000), gold ($500), silver ($250) and Strategy by expecting farmers to we do know is this: Spending on bronze ($100) levels. As IPP is a non- SCHOOL FUNDING use two industry-accepted, sustain- business tax credits has more than profit 501(c)3 organization, individual The Legislature in 2016 settled able practices to reduce injection tripled in 10 years. In one program contributions may be tax-deductible. on a meager 2.25 percent increase of excess nutrients in Iowa waters. alone, Iowa in 2015 gave away $42 Thank you!