Take Action: Legislative and Policy Action Alerts
Take Action: Consumer protection in Iowa is under attack - maintain the independence of the OCA
Updated 3/13/23
The Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) is an independent office headed by the Consumer Advocate who is appointed by the Attorney General to a 4-year term of service. The Consumer Advocate serves as both head attorney of the Office and Office administrative head. The OCA works tirelessly in legal cases before the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) to keep electricity and natural gas rates reasonable for all customers.
The OCA's independence from political influence is important, as they are tasked with the difficult job of going up against utilities such as Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy, which are both politically powerful and profit-driven companies with a monopoly over Iowa.
HSB 126, the Governor's restructuring bill, seeks changes to the OCA that threaten the independence of this important office.
This bill is being voted on in the House WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14. Contact your House Representative TODAY to say no to gutting the power of the OCA.
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Take Action: Protect public land investment in Iowa
Added 3/13/23
Senate File 516 repeals open space and trail acquisition programs and would require prioritization of land maintenance over acquisition. This would restrict park acquisition and trail development in Iowa. Iowans value public spaces and want to see more, not less.
Contact your Senator by phone today. Call the Senate switchboard at 515.281.3371 and ask to be transferred to your Senator's office to leave a message about this bill. Here is a draft script:
"Hello, my name is ____ and I live in your district. I am asking you to oppose SF 516 as you caucus and debate it today. This bill would restrict public land acquisition and trail development in Iowa. Iowans like me value and cherish our parks and trails and want more of them, not less. Say no to SF 516!”
Take Action: Don’t give utilities a blank check – Demand oversight utility spending!
Added 2/17/23
Senate File 198 threatens to raise rates for Iowa customers by removing oversight of utility coal plant spending. MidAmerican and Alliant Energy should not be allowed to spend ratepayer dollars however they want, especially when there may be cheaper options than pouring more money into old, polluting technologies.
The House already passed the bill on its side, and we expect it to move quickly in the Senate. Now is the time to take action and tell your state senator to reject stripping away meaningful checks and balances for Iowa customers.
Tell your legislator to reject stripping away critical utility oversight.
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