13 Nov 2015

Honoring Our Veterans

By Alex Youn
This past Wednesday we took time to recognize the brave men and women who have served our country.  Generations of Americans have fought for, protected, and renewed the principals and liberties on which our country was founded, and I believe that we have a responsibility to come together to show our gratitude for their service.

A few weeks ago, I was honored to present twelve medals, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, to Robert Swan, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, whose recognition was long overdue.  Drafted right out of high school, he proved to be an excellent Army medic, resilient fighter, and all-around selfless person - he even helped to deliver a Vietnamese woman's baby after she went into labor in a particularly dangerous village and made sure that both mother and baby got to safety afterward.  Robert represents the best our country has to offer - his strength of character, sense of duty, and bravery have been reflected by millions of service-members since the birth of our democracy, and I was honored to be able to say "thank you" in person to Mr. Swan on behalf of a grateful nation.

We will also never forget the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and all those who have not yet returned home.  As a nation, we must show our appreciation by working to ensure that our promise to America's veterans is fulfilled.  Whether helping veterans receive quality and timely health care, ensuring that military retirees get their due benefits on time, or making sure that mental health services are available for veterans suffering from PTSD, I will continue to fight in Congress on behalf of the courageous men and women who have fought for us.

My office works year-round on behalf of veterans and their families.  If you believe I can be of assistance to you, please contact my Iowa City office at (319) 351-0789.  Thank you again to all of our country's veterans for their service.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

17 Dec 2013

Rep. Tyler Olson Ends His Campaign for Governor

By Alex Youn

CEDAR RAPIDS - Today, Rep. Tyler Olson released the following statement regarding his campaign for Governor: 

Thank you to everyone that reached out with words of encouragement and support the last two weeks. While focused on supporting my children through the transition in my personal life it is clear they need my full attention. It is time to end my campaign for Governor.

I will continue to focus on my family, finish my term as state representative, rejoin Paulson Electric and look for opportunities to serve my community as time allows.
Thank you to all the friends, supporters and volunteers that joined my campaign. I enjoyed every minute of it. I hope you still believe as I do that Iowa's brightest days are ahead.
Best wishes for a peaceful and bright holiday season.
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10 Dec 2013

Governor Branstad's Mismanagement of the Toledo Juvenile Home Continues

By Alex Youn
CEDAR RAPIDS - Today, Rep. Tyler Olson's Campaign Manager, Alex Youn, released the following statement regarding the news of the Toledo Juvenile Home closing: 

Governor Terry Branstad's mismanagement of the Toledo Juvenile Home continued today. Choosing to close the Toledo Juvenile Home is a poor decision made in secrecy. Governor Branstad's lack of oversight resulted in unsafe conditions and now further turmoil for the home's residents.
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02 Dec 2013

Statement from Rep. Tyler Olson

By Alex Youn
CEDAR RAPIDS - Today, Rep. Tyler Olson release the following statement regarding his campaign for Governor: 

I am saddened to announce today that my wife Sarah and I are separating. This decision was made only after significant discussion and professional support to deal with the issues facing our marriage.  We are working through divorce proceedings but remain friends whose number one priority is the happiness and well being of our children.

The decision about whether to continue the race is complicated, starting with the needs of my kids and my core belief Iowans will have greater opportunity with a new perspective in Terrace Hill. This has been a fact of life since the start of my family: Sarah and I married while I was running for the Iowa House and both my kids were born during my service there.

While this is a family matter, because of my candidacy for Governor I felt it necessary to publicly acknowledge the situation. I am scaling back  campaign events for the remainder of the year to focus on my family and helping them through this transition.  I am deeply committed to this race for governor, as I believe Iowans will have greater opportunity with a governor with a strong, positive vision for the future.  I plan to resume my campaign after the holidays.

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11 Nov 2013

Honoring Our Veterans

By Alex Youn
Cedar Rapids - State Representative Tyler Olson, Democratic candidate for Governor issued the following statement on the celebration of Veteran's Day.
STATEMENT FROM REPRESENTATIVE TYLER OLSON:
"Today we honor the brave men and women who have served our country at home and abroad and those who are currently serving in the armed forces. Iowans have a storied history of serving our nation, something of which we are all proud. It's our responsibility to grow our communities and create new opportunities for returning veterans and their families to honor their service and sacrifice."
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28 Oct 2013

Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, and Loras College Democrat Chapters Endorse Tyler Olson

By Alex Youn
Cedar Rapids, IA - Today, three Iowa College Democrat chapters announced their endorsement of Tyler Olson as their choice for the next governor of Iowa.

The College Democrat chapters of Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, and Loras College have thrown their full support behind Tyler Olson's vision for Iowa.

Monica Diaz, President of Iowa State University College Democrats said "Our chapter will be an incredible asset to the campaign by helping to mobilize support on campus and spread the word about Tyler all throughout Story County." 

In addition to these three college chapters, executive board members of College Democrats organizations across the state, including all executive board members for the University of Iowa College Democrats offered their individual support for Tyler Olson.

"It was a clear choice for me and my peers to sign a letter of support for Tyler," said Carter Bell, President of University of Iowa College Democrats. "We're all very excited to help grow the campaign on our campus."

Earlier this year the Olson for Iowa campaign announced the formation of six Student for Olson chapters across the state. The full list of those groups can be viewed here.  

Links to letters of support from other colleges and universities: 

Drake University
Grinnell College
Simpson College
University of Iowa
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07 Oct 2013

Rep. Tyler Olson Secures Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Building Trades Endorsement

By Alex Youn
18 Locals Representing 15,000 Members
Cedar Rapids, IA - Today, the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Building Trades Council announced the endorsement of Tyler Olson as their choice for the next governor of Iowa.  

Ray Dochterman, President of the Council, said, "We're pleased to announce our support for Tyler Olson as the next governor of Iowa. He has shown the ability to get things done in the Legislature on issues like disaster recovery, early child education and health insurance. His vision for Iowa - with a 21st century, home-grown economy and fresh ideas for thriving communities - is what Iowans want as we begin the next 30 years."

This is the second labor endorsement Representative Olson has received. On September 18th the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) Local 110 also endorsed his candidacy.

The Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Building Trades Council represents 18 building trade unions and 15,000 members in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor:  Boilermakers Local 83; Bricklayers & Allied Craftsworkers Local 3; Carpenters Local 308 (Cedar Rapids, Iowa); Carpenters Local 1260 (Iowa City, Iowa); Cement Masons & Plasters AFL-CIO Local 21; Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (IAHFIAW) Local 81; Ironworkers  Local 89; Laborers Union Local 43 (Cedar Rapids); Laborers Union Local 309 (Quad Cities/Iowa City); Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Painters Local 447; Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Glaziers; Architectural Metal and Glass Workers Local 581; Operating Engineers  Local 234; Plumbers, Pipefitters, Welders and HVAC Service Techs Local 125; Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers  Local 182; Sheet Metal Workers Local 263; Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 District 23; Teamsters Local 238; and UBC Millwrights Local 2158.

Each trade union provides skilled workers for building construction projects (industrial, commercial and residential) throughout the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor and surrounding communities.
01 Oct 2013

Poll confirms Iowans are ready for a new perspective

By Alex Youn
A poll released tonight by The Des Moines Register confirms what other recent polls have shown - Iowans are growing tired of Terry Branstad's leadership in Iowa and are ready for a change. "Iowans are ready for a Governor with a new perspective to lead the state forward, and I have the experience and vision to move us in the right direction." said State Representative Tyler Olson, candidate for Governor. 

The Iowa Poll shows that 55% of Iowa voters think Governor Branstad has been in office long enough and are open to a change. Key point from the poll, "Perhaps more of a trouble sign for Branstad: Among self-identified independents, 62 percent said he has held office long enough, and just 28 percent said he should run again." The poll also shows that Governor Branstad's approval rating has also dropped by 4% since June. 

This is the first public poll following the firing of DCI Agent Larry Hedlund, the departure of Public Safety Commissioner Brian London, and the incidents surrounding the Iowa Juvenile Home.

The poll of 800 Iowans was conducted Sept. 22-25 by Selzer & Co. of Des Moines and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
18 Sep 2013

Olson for Governor Lands Endorsement of RWDSU Local 110

By Alex Youn

Cedar Rapids - Today, RWDSU Local 110 announced the endorsement of Tyler Olson as their choice for the next governor of Iowa.

Al Hartl, President, RWDSU Local 110 said "Tyler Olson is the leader we need in the Governor's office. He has the vision, experience and energy to chart a strong future for Iowans. The economy is rapidly changing and Tyler is the only candidate with the new ideas to keep up and build a better Iowa for workers and families."
Olson - a State Representative, businessman and Cedar Rapids native - has been a stalwart supporter of middle class Iowans in his 8 years at the State House. He has worked hard to bring a new perspective to job creation focusing more on growing Iowa's small businesses and startups while also fighting for early childhood education and access to affordable healthcare.
The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) Local 110 in Cedar Rapids is one of the largest locals in the Cedar Rapids area.
13 Sep 2013

Olson for Governor Campaign Announces 29 Legislator Endorsements

By Alex Youn
Cedar Rapids - Showing continued momentum in his campaign for Governor, Tyler Olson today announced the support and endorsement of 29 state legislators.
"I am proud to have such overwhelming support from colleagues in the legislature," said Rep. Tyler Olson. "Together we will build a strong campaign organization all across the state that will bring my vision to begin the next thirty years to Iowa voters."
"Tyler has been a champion of working families across Iowa and has the experience and vision to make Iowa a better place for the next generation," said Rep. Chris Hall.
"Tyler's experience in business gives him the background to lead our state's economic development efforts. We need to stop focusing solely on attracting the big fish, we need a greater emphasis on innovation, Tyler understands that," said Rep. Scott Ourth.
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