News Releases

News Release | Iowa PIRG Education Fund | Democracy

Iowa Receives an "F" in Annual Report on Transparency of Government Spending

Iowa once again received an “F” when it comes to government spending transparency, according to Following the Money 2012: How the States Rank on Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data, the third annual report of its kind by the Iowa Public Interest Research Group (Iowa PIRG).

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News Release | Iowa PIRG | Health Care

Effective State Exchange Key to Lower Health Costs for Iowa Consumers

The most effective way for Iowa's policy-makers to address rising health care costs is by implementing a strong and independent health insurance exchange, according to the first in a new series of policy briefs released today by consumer advocacy group Iowa PIRG.

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News Release | Iowa PIRG Education Fund | Democracy

Tracking Down Secrect Campaign Funds Spent in Super PACs

Today Iowa PIRG Education Fund and Demos released a new analysis of the funding sources for the campaign finance behemoths, Super PACs. The findings confirmed what many have predicted in the wake of the Supreme Court’s damaging Citizens United decision: since their inception in 2010, Super PACs have been primarily funded by a small segment of very wealthy individuals and business interests, with a small but significant amount of funds coming from secret sources.

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News Release | Iowa PIRG Ed Fund | Democracy, Tax

Wells Fargo One of the 'Dirty Thirty'

With the second anniversary approaching of the Supreme Court case Citizens United rapidly approaching – it is clear that the floodgates to corporate political spending are open, and that Fortune 500 Companies are taking full advantage. A report released today by Iowa PIRG Education Fund and Citizens for Tax Justice reveals 30 of our nations most profitable corporations that spent more to lobby Congress than they did in taxes.

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News Release | Iowa PIRG Education Fund | Safe Energy

Nuclear Power a Bad Financial Bet for Iowa, New Report Says

A new report documenting the high financial risks of nuclear power was unveiled today by groups advocating that Iowa place its energy bets on other energy sources. The report, The Nuclear Gamble: Why Nuclear Power is a Bad Bet for Iowans, was released after the Legislature shelved a proposal last session to fund new nuclear plants but amid ongoing speculation that utilities and the nuclear industry will resume a push for nuclear power.