This week in Iowa organizing…
So there's this dog who's quite often in the fenced-in yard immediately north of the CCI office. Without knowing its name, I've taken to calling it 'Dog Friend'.
I kid you not, Dog Friend barks at absolutely everyone who walks by, no matter their age, race, identity or ability. Everyone is fair game for its apprehension and initial aggression.
This has been going on for almost two years now. Starting a few months ago, I started talking to Dog Friend - calmly saying hello, asking how its day was, etc.
Fast forwarding to now, Dog Friend doesn't bark at me anymore. When it sees me taking a break to walk around outside the office, it either approaches me at the fence to give a look, or more often simply ignores me and stares off into the distance.
If Dog Friend and I can finally get along, I'm pretty sure Iowans can too. When we're unknown to each other, it's easy to approach with apprehension, fear, even aggression if we don't like what we see or hear. But once we get to know each other that changes. And that's what reveals who we truly are, and I'm not going to let politicians or corporate power tell me any different.
Read on for more updates and ways to take action,
Matthew Covington (he/him)
Strategic Operations Director
(Not) At the statehouse
What happened?
It's been just over a week and a half since adjournment of the 2023 legislative session. But before we put all of that in our rear view mirror for the next 7 months, here's a selection of analysis and commentary on what happened once the dust settled:
A good recap from Iowa Capital Dispatch of what passed, what didn't, and what's awaiting Gov. Reynolds' signature
Opinion from the Cedar Rapids Gazette on the fracas surrounding Chris Jones' departure from U of Iowa
Kathie Obradovich on how 'historic' this legislative session really was
Laura Belin of Bleeding Heartland on how lawmakers failed Iowans with disabilities this session
Art Cullen on what voters asked for, and got, this session
The latter half of this legislative session will pick up again on the second Monday in January of 2024. And House File 565 will be very much alive and eligible for debate in the Senate Commerce committee.
Take action
May 17 - Des Moines needs equitable plan for climate goals
The climate resolution we helped pass in 2021 jump started a process for Des Moines to develop a climate action plan to meet its climate goals. A first draft of this plan will be presented this Wednesday, May 17 at 7pm.
This plan will shape the policies and budget priorities of the city. We need to speak up to ensure that climate investments adequately address the climate crisis and prioritize communities hurt by a history of systemic racism, the working-class, and people most at-risk of climate chaos.
May 31 - PHMSA coming to Des Moines
In April of 2023 the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued the second largest fine in its history to the CO2 pipeline company responsible for the disastrous rupture in Satartia, Mississippi.
That's why we are asking you to mark your calendar for Wednesday May 31 (time to be announced) because PHMSA is coming to Des Moines.
PHMSA is responsible for creating safety regulations for CO2 pipelines and is on the record as saying they don't know enough about this boondoggle and that they need more time to learn more.
We won't be guinea pigs so Summit, Navigator and Wolf can make billions of dollars on these dangerous projects. We need a moratorium on CO2 pipelines until federal safety regulations are created and we need PHMSA to use their platform to push for it.
Mark your calendar for May 31 to let PHMSA know we need them to push for a moratorium now! Sign up here to join us or to stay in the loop.
June 8 - LGBTQ 101 Training
In the wake of a record legislative session of anti-LGBTQ policies and rhetoric, Iowa CCI is excited to be partnering with One Iowa to bring you their LGBTQ 101 Training.
One Iowa provides education and advocacy to improve LGBTQ lives and One Iowa Action, their 501(c)4 organization, is working hard to promote policies that protect LGBTQ Iowans.
Join us on June 8 at 6pm for a virtual training session where you will learn about:
LGBTQ identities and terminology
The social effects of the gender binary
Best practices for conversations with and about LGBTQ individuals
More information and RSVP for the online training here.
Issue Updates
Victory for Dubuque tenants!
In Dubuque, the first week of May was a busy one for CCI members and supporters in the work for safe and dignified housing.
It started off 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 and we have a city and county that protects homeowners and tenants - and together we're actualizing that vision!
Featured Speakers announced soon! 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!
The Farm Bill is our chance to save Iowa’s farm industry - by Iowa CCI Board Chair Barb Kalbach [Cedar Rapids Gazette]
A rupture that hospitalized 45 people raised questions about CO2 pipelines' safety [NPR]
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Prop 12 is a win against factory farming. But the pigs’ lives will still suck. [Vox]
Iowans sue governor for cutting off pandemic unemployment benefits [Bleeding Heartland]
Postville raid brought devastation; 15 years later, it’s a sign of resilience [Iowa Capital Dispatch]