kwwl/furloughed hospital workers protest government shutdown-click on photo for story

submitted by Naly Bounyalath

The current news of the 2013 government shut down has left people antsy and restless. It affects all of us. Some are stuck in the middle and others are retreating to the far end of each side.

Not all issues will be solved nor agreed upon with the different parties. Although with the help of many voices, we can stand united.  At Iowa Fair Share, we have been advocating for our rights and asking people to do their part by making sure everybody plays by the same set of rules.

“Are the Republicans trying to make life even worse for low-income families? For what? To re-litigate the 2012 elections? So the House can vote for a 44th or 45th time to defund the Affordable Care Act?”– Senator Tom Harkin.  He is doing his part for Iowa. He has expressed in his statements he voted to avoid a shutdown and to continue funding the government and wants the best for the State of Iowa.

Are you wondering how the shut down is affecting you as an Iowan?

• Some Head Start Centers have been forced to close which effects the 8,000 children in Iowa.

• Civilian workforces are sent home without pay or are delayed pay.

• Department of Labor cannot be of assistance for the Trade Adjustment Assistance, which hinders those who have lost their jobs or in need of job placements.

• Small businesses are waiting for their loans to process because Small Business Administration offices in the state have shut down.

• Iowa has 233,815 veterans and for some, their benefits are delayed.

• New Social Security beneficiaries are delayed and not receiving their social security payments.

• New home loans are postponed and are not insured because they are authorized through appropriations acts.

• For Iowa’s National parks and museums, along with its monuments are shut down and are hindering the states economic activity  LINK    LINK

The government shut down needs to end. Enough is enough.  Nineteen times did the House of Republicans reject the Senate Democrats’ attempt to hash out a budget so the shut down could end but the House of Republicans are not budging. For Senator Latham, the weight is heavy. It is time for Latham to stand with us and not with the corporations that are gaining through tax loopholes who are not playing fair or by the rules. We would like him to do the right thing and stand up for Iowa’s middle and working class.

Sign the petition and tell Lathem to end the shut down!

It is not illegal, but it is not right! If corporate loopholes are in continuance, there will be an increase of spending cuts to pay for lower taxes for the big corporations.  These cuts will mean less money is invested in jobs and education. Public schools would not get assistance. Private loans with high interest can help a student  continue on with college. For the next generation…. this means additional debt for us!

To sum it all up:

Occurred:
Republicans / Democrats = Budget Hesitancy

Current situation:
Budget hesitancy = Shut Down

Action needed:
End Grudge and Resistance from House of Republicans + Negotiations for Budget
= End Government Shut Down Without Delaying Obamacare
Include Closing Corporate tax loopholes = Taxes from what Corporations legitimately owe!

End Goal:
Taxes from what Corporations legitimately owe = Less debt + Stronger Working and Middle Class!!

Join Iowa Fair Share to move forward!