This week in Iowa organizing…
Above is a photo of what the east side of the CCI headquarters looks like now after members came together on Friday to participate in 'Peoples’ Earth Week - Climate Justice Arts & Action!'
The official theme of Earth Week this year was "Invest in Our Planet". It appears that the big banks didn't get, or simply ignored, that call.
But that's not really news to us. Nor is the fact that the work to reverse climate change and sustain a planet that will nurture generations to come is 24/7, 365 days a year. And it's why we're joining in demanding President Biden declare a climate emergency to meet the needs of the moment we're in.
In other news, the state legislature might adjourn this week. We'll see.
Let's keep at it,
Matthew Covington (he/him)
Strategic Operations Director
At the statehouse
April 28 adjournment? Will Whitver, Reynolds ignore voters' wishes?
The state legislature is scheduled to adjourn this Friday, April 28. That doesn't mean they will adjourn by then, but it appears they're getting close. But not because they're embracing transparency!
Bills aimed at loosening (to put it mildly) Iowa's child labor laws and signaling out the lone elected statewide Democrat are getting closer to the Governor's desk. Already awaiting her signature are the final touches on her 'education' agenda, as well as the bill to take food and healthcare away from Iowans in need.
Still to be hammered out are proposals at curtailing property tax increases and state budget bills. But last week it was announced that Republican leaders have agreed on budget targets, signaling that they're close to getting these bills to the Governor's desk soon as well.
And legislative leaders are still silent on restricting eminent domain abuse by the proposed CO2 pipelines. That's why we're going to the capitol tomorrow to remind them that 78% of Iowans from all political stripes want action on this issue before they adjourn. You can join us by registering here!
Take action
This Saturday - April 29: Happy Birthday Willie Nelson!
Registration for our in-person event Saturday is CLOSED. We've reached capacity for the venue.
But we welcome you to join us virtually - RSVP to get the livestream details here.
Willie is not just a beloved American artist, song-writer and icon, he's played a big role in Iowa CCI's work to say Family Farms Yes!, Factory Farms No!
On Saturday, April 29 we’ll wish Willie Nelson a Happy 90th Birthday by :
Enjoying Willie Nelson performances on a big screen
Celebrating Willie and Farm Aid’s role in the people's movement against corporate factory farms -- and for family farms and the environment.
Hearing organizing stories from the mid-90s when Willie showed up time and again for CCI and the Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment, including an action in Clive, IA!
This event is open to the Iowa CCI community, fans of Willie Nelson, and others interested in the history of progressive, populist organizing in Iowa and the Midwest.
Next Monday - May 1: take action for Dubuque tenants
We have a vision for housing in Dubuque where everyone is ensured safe and dignified housing, slumlords are not welcome, and we have a city and county that protects homeowners and tenants - not banks or investment firms.
And we have an opportunity to take action now with a group of senior tenants in Dubuque who are being abused and harassed by their property management group.
Last month we asked their property management group to meet with us to discuss lost rent payments, illegal apartment entries, and issues not being fixed in a timely manner. They refused to respond to a date and time to meet.
That's why we’re going to make our presence known on May 1 that they need to take our concerns seriously - and you can help!
Will you set aside five minutes on May 1st to join us in calling and emailing the property management group to demand they meet with this group of wronged tenants? Follow this link to let us know you’re in to help on May 1st!
May 12 - 13: Fundraiser Plant Sale
As always the Saturday of Mother's Day Weekend. Organic veggie starts from several local growers, mostly heirloom varieties. Also, herbs, prairie plants, Iowa wildflowers, and other yard perennial plant divisions. Order online, pick up and pay in person Friday, May 12 from 3-6 pm or Saturday, May 12 form 8-1 pm.
VIEW THE INVENTORY HERE. Plant Order Form will be posted soon.
Invite your friends, and plan to join us for this great community event and fundraiser hosted by Des Moines area CCI members.
If you have yard or house plant divisions to donate, please let us know ASAP by replying to this email or calling 515-255-0800 so we can add them to the order form.
Tell Sen. Grassley - no corporate profiteering in the 2023 Farm Bill
Iowans don’t want corporations taking over our farms!
Take a minute to tell Senator Grassley to stand with family farmers and support bi-partisan legislation for the 2023 Farm Bill that will regulate and limit the corporate acquisition and ownership of farmland in the United States.
Make a call or send Sen. Grassley an email here. For more on land grabs, check this out from the National Family Farm Coalition.
Save the Date!
August 19 - CCI Action's Summer Membership Meeting
This week we'll be joining over 1,200 organizations across the country for the Peoples’ Earth Week - Climate Justice Arts & Action!
If you're in Des Moines this Friday, consider coming over to the CCI office from 5:30-7:30 to get some food and make some art with us! Click here to sign up.
We've received climate justice poster art from 10 amazing artists, including Iowa's Moselle Singh pictured above. We'll have food and provide guidance/materials for making climate justice signs to celebrate Earth Day and uplift demands for President Biden to declare a climate emergency to end fossil fuel expansion.