Sarah Ramsey is the former Advocacy Officer for United Way of Central Iowa.
Each year United Way of Central Iowa works with legislators, communities, programs and leaders across the state to establish mission-driven public policy goals and priorities to achieve systemic changes. See how we did in our efforts during the 2015-16 legislative session.
Read More
The Legislature is moving toward an on-time adjournment by agreeing to a deal on tax policy and education funding. The tax issues, combined in one bill (HF 2433), moved quickly through both chambers and is on its way to the Governor.
The education-related agreement is being drafted. We expect this bill to contain K-12 funding and an appropriation for summer reading (2017). Once introduced, this bill is also expected to move quickly through the Legislature.
This legislative session is scheduled for 100 days. The 100th day is April 19th.
United Way of Central Iowa organized a very successful lobby day centered on workforce readiness issues (to see specific policy recommendations, see the coalition's report). Meetings were held with all the key players on workforce issues, including Senators Mike Gronstal (D-Council Bluffs), Bill Dotzler (D-Waterloo), Liz Mathis (D-Cedar Rapids) and Rep. Chris Hagenow (R-Windsor Heights).
In addition, the group had a productive meeting with Iowa Workforce Development Deputy Director Ed Wallace.
These lobby days are very effective. Having grassroots advocates at the Capitol is essential for legislative successes, and it shows our lawmakers that various community organizations are invested in these issues.
%20-%20No%20Tagline.png?width=180&name=211%20Logo%20-%20color%20(white%20bubble)%20-%20No%20Tagline.png)
United Way of Central Iowa is proud to have earned a four-star rating for 18 straight years from Charity Navigator, an American independent charity watchdog organization that evaluates charitable organizations in the United States. This record places United Way of Central Iowa in the top 1 percent of charities nationwide. Click the logo to review our complete evaluation.
United Way of Central Iowa has received a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, the world's largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. The seal is given to nonprofits who have achieved the highest level of transparency through disclosures, information made available to the public, and accuracy and frequency of updates. Click the logo to learn more.