Iowa lawmakers continue to consider a host of issues including bills that will affect your newspaper. History has shown that the INA can most effectively protect newspapers in the legislature when you and your fellow publishers have the tools to enable you to articulate the INA’s position with your area lawmakers and with your readers.

Here you will find items to help you in this regard. These items include:
---Position papers on FOI, public notice and newspaper taxation issues. Please use these as sources for news stories, editorials and columns.
---Guest editorials and columns that you are encouraged to publish.
---Public service ads that you are encouraged to publish.
---And future items to be sent to you as issues arise.

In the past, the INA has sent you legislative alerts whenever a priority bill has reached a critical stage in the legislative process. We will continue to do that in 2008. When that happens, please use these kit materials and mention these bills in your next conversation with lawmakers. Your role in educating legislators on how newspapers feel about a bill even before it is debated in committee or subcommittee is very important.

Thanks in advance for playing a critical role in the INA’s grassroots lobbying network. The more you get involved, the better the chances that the newspapers of Iowa will prevail on issues affecting our membership.

The Legislative Platform of the Iowa Newspaper Association

FOI

Talking Points: Importance of Open Government
FOI ad
Suggested FOI Resources

Public Notice

Talking Points: Public Notices in Newspapers vs. the Internet
Position Paper: Public Notices on the Internet
Guest Editorial: Why Public Notices are Needed
Public Notice ad #1
Public Notice ad #2
Position Paper: The Role of Public Notice
Talking Points: Public Notices in Newspapers (Mass.)

Newspaper Taxes

Position Paper: Taxing Newspapers Would Harm Iowa's Economy
Talking Points: Advertising Tax
Talking Points: Circulation Tax
Editorial: A Sales Tax on Advertising = A Bad Idea for Iowa
Value of Advertising in Iowa

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