This week in Iowa organizing…
Governor Reynolds' crusade to consolidate state government under her thumb just got personal for me last week when I found out one of the commissions proposed for elimination would jeopardize our ability to fund Americorps programs.
I'm an Americorps alum. I didn't know what to do after graduating from college, so I did a term through Americorps in Minneapolis doing lead abatement on low-income family housing. It was rewarding, humbling work and an amazing opportunity to be in community with others and make a small difference.
Government can be more efficient. The way to get there, though, is not with a hatchet aimlessly whacking away at boards and commissions without digging deeper into what they actually do.
I have my doubts that Kraig Paulsen really wants to hear from Iowans, but that shouldn't stop us from weighing in. It's not just Americorps on the line, as a slew of environmental, human rights, and other commissions are on the chopping block. What little public hearings take place, folks can still email their thoughts to BCRCcomments@iowa.gov.
Alright, more ways to plug in below!
Matthew Covington (he/him)
Strategic Operations Director
Take action
Iowa Utilities Board - do the right thing!
Did you see the news? South Dakota’s Public Utility Commission has filed a motion to deny Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline permit! They are hitting roadblocks left, right, and center. Our job is to keep sustained public pressure on the Iowa Utilities Board commissioners as they similarly consider Summit's pipeline permit in our state. Will you help us by adding your name to our “Dear IUB” letter?
Iowa CCI members will personally deliver the letter and any comments you add to the IUB commissioners. We are asking the IUB to stop these pipelines from being built! Thousands of Iowans oppose them because:
They tear up valuable farm ground, destroying our land and soil.
They’re dangerous and potentially deadly.
They use “technology” that has consistently failed to reduce carbon emissions.
They rely heavily on public money – taxpayer dollars – for financing.
They put millions of dollars in the pockets of CEOs and leave us holding the bag.
They want to use eminent domain for private gain, and that’s not right!
Add your name to our letter by clicking here!
September 12 - "Where is this train going?"
What would it look like to have a public transportation system that actually serves the public interest? Unfortunately, in the U.S. we don’t have such a system.
The transportation sector accounts for nearly 10% of workers in the US and is the largest contributor of US greenhouse gas emissions. And whether we're talking about motor vehicles and highways, mass transit, railroads, or school buses, it is workers, front-line communities, and our climate that are thrown into crisis by corporate greed. At the same time, a sole focus on electric vehicles won't solve the climate or front-line pollution crises, nor guarantee good union jobs, nor prevent toxic derailments.
Join Labor Network for Sustainability for a series of webinars where we will hear from different voices impacted by the greed of a corporate controlled transportation system.
Join our next Clean Water Book Club for The Swine Republic
Interested in the truth about water quality in Iowa? Don't look to the state's agricultural and political leaders. Many stakeholders have a vested interest in keeping the facts quiet. But The Swine Republic, by research engineer and author Chris Jones, is a hard-hitting collection of essays that brings all the facts to the surface with nowhere to hide.
The August Clean Water Book Club was a smashing success! We had 126 people participate in clubs across the state (and Minnesota). We capped it off by enjoying a lively chat with WATER author Jennifer Wilson.
And now we are ready to do it all again with The Swine Republic.
Here's how to participate:
Sign up to host or participate at this link. This is the best way to get updates and announcements about the Clean Water Book Club.
Coupon code CCI5 for $5.00 off when ordering through the publisher at: Ice Cube Press
Email the publisher steve@icecubepress.com to be invoiced and mention the code for $5.00 off
Register for the Zoom call with author Chris Jones on Oct 26
WATER was the intro and The Swine Republic will provide a deeper understanding of this issue in Iowa - with a healthy dose of sardonic humor.
Let us know you're in! Sign up for the book club here
September 28 - Let's go to the movies Scott County!
Community members from 5 different organizations across the United States-- including two of Iowa's very own experts, Diane Rosenberg and John Ikert--share their stories and experiences living near factory farms in 'Right to Harm'.
This film exposes the health issues and damages to quality of life that surround industrial agriculture and shares how government agencies have failed to regulate factory farms.
Join us on Thursday, September 28th from 7-9PM at Scott County Park to watch and discuss how citizen groups have rallied against Big Ag and industry-loving politicians to fight for clean air, water, and land!
October 1 in Dubuque: The People's Housing Forum
Last week, CCI members in Dubuque attended the city council meeting to speak on the need for low and mixed-income housing to truly meet the needs of the community.
While the housing development being considered is moving forward without mixed-income units, CCI members aren't backing down from our vision for housing justice. Our elected officials need to hear from people about the need for renter protections and affordable housing development.
That’s why on October 1st from 4-5:30pm as part of the Dubuque Week of Peace we are hosting The Dubuque People's Housing Forum.
This is going to be an open mic forum. Anyone can ask a question, share a story, or give a statement on housing. This is a chance to ask a question, share a story, or give your thoughts on what needs to improve with housing in Dubuque. RSVP here to join us on October 1!
Updates
New Report - Roadmap for Rural Progress
As a country, we are at an important crossroads that has massive implications for the future of rural communities. We will either continue on the path of reinvestment, inclusion, and prioritizing working people, or forces of extremism and unchecked corporate greed will block these efforts and attempt to keep communities divided.
That's why we're excited to announce the release of the 2023 Rural Policy Action Report! Iowa CCI joined over 30 organizations and local elected officials from various geographic and strategic backgrounds to identify the most pressing and popular policies impacting our communities.
The report outlines policies, priority legislation and executive action that supports working families and strengthens rural communities.
More than a document discussing policy, the report also serves as a call to action. Policies that work for working people and rural communities, work for America. When grassroots organizations, policy groups, and rural leaders work alongside state and federal leaders to advance policies that make a difference, we all win. Together, we can build an economy from the bottom up and the middle out.
What We're Reading
These are a few links that are informing our work - we've shared them so that you can read, too!
School vouchers are dysfunctional by design [Intelligencer]
Amazon warehouse workers are organizing against dangerous conditions [Jacobin]
300+ economists, millionaires, and elected officials to G20: 'tax extreme wealth' [Common Dreams]
Iowans need to step up and be LGBTQ allies [Bleeding Heartland]
How 9/11 bred a "war on terror" from hell [TomDispatch]