Thoughts from our board chair, Bruce Finzen

Introduction

Recently, the Center for Public Integrity reported about several young men who suffocated to death in an Illinois grain storage facility. Not only did the story highlight the lack of safety precautions at a job site, it revealed a terribly broken national system that repeatedly puts the lives of workers at risk.

Within weeks, the story prompted calls for action from concerned citizens, an announcement about potential criminal charges against the employer by the U.S. Department of Justice, and OSHA’s pledge to review the workplace conditions of America’s grain workers. This type of impact is the heart of the Center’s work. But, they can’t do this type of investigative reporting without your support. And right now, I am offering to match every dollar you give, doubling your impact.

As a nonprofit investigative journalism organization, the Center relies on supporters like you in order to do its job. Their approach involves no-stone-unturned journalism that goes deep into the details and the data to reveal the truth and spark change.

The Hard Labor project revealed young workers who put their lives at risk to keep corn flowing in a bin. These individuals — some as young as 14 — should not have had to worry about inadequate and unsafe working conditions and die from the failure of the systems meant to protect them.

The Center provides in-depth and timely reporting on issues that affect you and me — those too often glossed over in the mainstream media. This level of journalistic integrity is something I know you value and it is not cheap. This is why the Center needs your support. Will you give a gift of $25, $50, $80, or more today?

Your support will allow the Center to continue producing exceptional, award-winning investigative reporting. Please make your gift today.

Sincerely,

Bruce Finzen
Board Chair

Center for Public Integrity

P.S. We are trying to raise $30,000 before May 7 to allow us to continue the reporting you care about. Make a donation today and every dollar you give will be matched, up to $15,000. This is a great opportunity to double your impact.