This week in Iowa organizing…
The 2023 legislative session came to a close last Thursday (a little more on that below). But let's take a moment to get one thing incredibly clear - House File 565 is not dead, despite what Senator Whitver, Senator Bousselot, or even Governor Reynolds says.
In what will be remembered as a contentious and controversial session, Senate Republicans and Governor Reynolds attempted to pull the wool over Iowans' eyes by not passing what 78% of Iowans wanted - legislation to curb eminent domain abuse by the proposed CO2 pipeline companies.
Just because Sen. Bousselot, who worked for Bruce Rastetter's Summit Ag Group, single handedly blocked the bill in a Senate subcommittee and Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver failed to use his power to bring it up before end of session does not mean the bill is dead.
This bill is very much still alive and will still be in the Senate when lawmakers reconvene in January of 2024. It's a two year session - we know that, Iowans know that, and we'll continue pushing for what's right for our people and the land. This work is far from over and we won't forget in 2024.
Read on for more updates and ways to take action,
Matthew Covington (he/him)
Strategic Operations Director
At the statehouse
Adjournment, time will tell to measure the impact
It's done. Though the ramifications are still to come from the 2023 legislative session.
Here's a good recap from Iowa Capital Dispatch of what passed, what didn't, what's already law and what's awaiting Gov. Reynolds' signature by June 3.
Reynolds got much of her agenda passed this session, including using public money for private education, massive government restructuring that consolidates more power under her hand, and more tax cuts to starve state coffers in the years to come.
Opposed to governing for the common good of all Iowans (from all backgrounds, identities, and abilities), Reynolds seemed more interested in 'competing' with Republican governors in other states. That does not instill confidence in me that the well-being of our people and the land are being put first when crafting policy.
Much of the legislation passed will begin taking effect in the coming months. Then we can begin to see the effects of kicking Iowans off of healthcare and food assistance, silencing teachers and students and starving public education, bringing back child labor, and more. Then we're back at it January 8, 2024 when lawmakers reconvene under the tarnished golden dome.
Take action
2 Days left to order!! May 12 - 13: Fundraiser Plant Sale
Just two days left to get your order in for our our 9th Annual CCI Action Plant Sale Fundraiser!
Organic veggie starts from several local growers, mostly heirloom varieties. Also, herbs, prairie plants, Iowa wildflowers, and other yard perennial plant divisions.
VIEW THE INVENTORY HERE, and PLANT RESERVATION FORM HERE.
Place your pre-order ASAP.
Pick-ups are scheduled for Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13. Pick up location is 1070 38th St in Des Moines.
The day of we'll take cash, check, or Venmo. All proceeds go to CCI Action!
Big thank yous to members Ben Zachrich & Binnie Lehew who host the sale, and to the many other members and local growers who support this event each year with your donations and purchases.
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.
Issue Updates
Victory for Dubuque tenants!
Last week in Dubuque was a busy one for CCI members and supporters in the work for safe and dignified housing.
The week started with over 80 of you calling a property management group to demand a meeting that was promised to their senior tenants. Your calls and emails paid off as the meeting has been secured to address concerns about illegal entries, substandard living conditions, and harassment.
Then later in the week, members rallied with a tenant who has about to be evicted from her landlord. Not only was she not evicted, the landlord agreed to discount her rent for the month of May and promised to begin addressing needed repairs to her unit immediately.
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 - and together we're actualizing that vision!
August 19 - CCI Action's Summer Membership Meeting
That's right, on August 19 you'll want to be in the Des Moines metro to join fellow CCI Action members for our Summer Membership Meeting!
We'll come together to reconnect with friends and meet other CCI Action members from across the state for a day of information, inspiration, and action. At this day-long meeting, we'll:
Hear updates on and learn about our top-tier issue organizing campaigns
Educate ourselves on some Iowa history and deepen connections with key allies in our fight for justice
Get energized and recommit ourselves to fighting the good fight and take action for our people and planet
Enjoy some good, local food!
Register today to save your spot!
What We're Reading
These are a few links that are informing our work - we've shared them so that you can read, too!
Keeping Iowa in the dark on water quality is not acceptable [Bleeding Heartland]
Iowa Republican lawmakers are experts in ignoring experts [Cedar Rapids Gazette]
Our lawmakers are only buying time for biofuels [Iowa Capital Dispatch]
There’s Still Time to Avoid Climate Catastrophe [Common Dreams]
We Must Not Dance, Harry Belafonte Understood, to a Billionaire Beat [Inequality.org]
Unchecked Poultry Farming in North Carolina Violates Civil Rights, Residents Say [Civil Eats]