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Our Work in Focus
Budget Crunch: One More Reason to Support Marriage Equality
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Carolyn Jenison
Executive Director |
Of the many reasons to support marriage equality for same-gender couples, the economic benefits the state would accrue are often overlooked. In April 2008, The Williams Institute estimated that allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry would add an additional $5.3 million to state coffers. While economic arguments pale in comparison to the civil rights and social justice repurcussions of denying marriage to committed gay couples, Iowa’s current budget crunch has brought economic issues to the forefront.
With an expected $779 million shortfall, an additonal $5.3 million in revenue could be used to help offset proposed budget cuts to education, healthcare, or other vital services. Spending on weddings alone could increase state sales tax revenues by an additional $2.7 million per year. In tough economic times, our elected officials are tasked with making difficult choices about state funding. In this light, marriage for gay and lesbian couples should be a no-brainer. Along with the economic benefits to the state, marriage would allow LGBT families the recognition and security they deserve.
Click here to view the full report
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Upcoming Events
February 2, 2009 7-9 PM
Grace United Methodist discussion group
“Love, Sex, Relationships, and the Church”
Weekly Session 1 of 4
Grace United Methodist Church
3700 Cottage Grove, Des Moines
February 3, 2009 7 PM
Grinnell Marriage Forum
Veteran’s Memorial Building
834 Broad St.
February 4, 2009 12 noon
Statewide Steering Committee Conference Call
Contact matt@oneiowa.org for dial-in information
February 9, 2009 5 PM
Mason City Steering Committee Meeting
5 Creekside Ct., Mason City
February 9, 2009 7 PM
Mason City Marriage Forum
First Presbyterian Church
100 S. Pierce Ave.
February 10, 2009 9 AM-4PM
Marriage Equality Day at the Capitol
Details and RSVP
February 11, 2009 8 PM
ISU/Ames “Our Story” premiere
ISU LGBTA Alliance meeting
ISU campus, Martin Hall 2121
February 12, 7 PM
Iowa City “Our Story” premiere
Englert Theater
221 E. Washington St.
February 13, 5-7 PM
One Iowa Happy Hour
Azalea Restaurant
400 Walnut St., Des Moines
February 16, 5:30 PM
“Transgender Medicine 101″
featuring Dr. Christine McGinn
FREE and open to the public
Dinner at 5:45, lecture at 6:00
Des Moines University Student Education Center Auditorium
3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines
February 18, 2009 6:30 PM
Let My Parents Marry - Iowa City
Coralville Public Library
Meeting Room A
1401 5th St., Coralville
February 19, 2009 6:30 PM
Let My Parents Marry - Des Moines
Des Moines Public Library
Meeting Room 1
1000 Grand Ave. |
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Des Moines Register Nominated for GLAAD Media Award
With the news coverage and editorial commentary generated by the Varnum v. Brien court case, the struggle for marriage equality has been a major Iowa news story. In recognition of the quality of their coverage, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) nominated The Des Moines Register for a GLAAD Media Award in the category of “Outstanding Newspaper Overall Coverage”.
The Register is just one of many Iowa newspapers that have produced thoughtful news and commentary on LGBT issues over the last year. Along with the Register, pro-marriage editorials were published in the Iowa City Press Citizen and Cedar Rapids Gazette, among others. Please consider sending a letter to the editor complementing the Register on their coverage and congratulating them on their GLAAD nomination.
For additional contact information for newspapers across the state, click here. Consider writing a letter to the editor to your local paper to share your support for marriage equality or to comment on their coverage of LGBT issues. |
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In the News
Jan. 27 Sioux City Journal: Ferris wants to bring back marriage resolution
The original measure, proposed by Councilman Brent Hoffman, called for the council to lobby the Iowa Legislature to define traditional marriage as being between one man and one woman and to ask the legislature to put the question to a vote as a constitutional amendment.
Jan. 27 KTIV TV Video: Same-sex marriage debate to return to Sioux City city hall
So, Ferris wants to bring the discussion back, only this time the resolution would state that the city opposes any form of marriage except for that between a man and a woman.
Jan. 27 Bilerico Project: 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Announce Nominees
GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has announced 180 some nominees for their annual Media Awards gala that honors various film, television, print, and news media for their contributions in shaping the storytelling for the LGBT populace. |
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