This week in Iowa organizing…
I imagine you've heard the news of who knows how many firings at the federal level over the last few days.
The story of an Iowa Park Ranger is getting the attention it deserves. Our nuclear weapons currently aren't getting the attention they deserve.
Over the weekend, a friend on mine from high school posted on social media he was fired from the U.S. Department of Transportation Friday night. This occurred despite a stellar work performance and corporate leaders signing a letter to the administration testifying to the value of the program he led.
What is happening is not right. What is happening is not making government more efficient. What is happening is harming all of us - Republicans, Democrats, Independents. What is happening is benefiting a select, wealthy few.
What we can't do right now is be numb and do nothing. Let's keep speaking out and taking action for the people and places we love, and for a government that serves everyday people, not corporate power.
"Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can quietly become a power no government can suppress, a power that can transform the world." - Howard Zinn
Onward,
Matthew Covington
Strategic Operations Director
At the Statehouse
Bills on the move
Several bills continue to move forward in the legislature as we still await discussion on big ticket items like property tax reform. One big ticket item already moving in both chambers is per-pupil funding increases for our public schools, with the House and Senate poised to squabble over a fraction, .25%.
On the good news front, three bills in the Iowa House pertaining to the proposed CO2 pipeline seem to have traction and are moving forward. Speaking of pipelines, Summit's attorneys may have to behave themselves a bit better as anti-SLAPP suit legislation also moves forward.
In other news, Rep. Wheeler should maybe look for another line of work if he's "sick of" constituents actually talking to him and bringing their concerns.
Don't forget that lawmakers are often out and about in their communities on the weekends hosting legislative forums, we do our best to track them here!
Take action
Don't let Bayer write our rules
Last Monday over 150 Iowans showed up at our state capitol to defeat Bayer’s Cancer Gag Act. We've long said they have corporate lobbyists, we have you!
That’s even more true this year. Here’s a quote from a CCI Action organizer in a recent radio news story: “The pesticide company Bayer has four registered lobbyists in Iowa compared to other large companies with just one, if any." Together we drew a clear line in the sand. Do our state legislators work for us or Bayer-Monsanto?
Will you take action today to help keep the momentum going?
Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver and House Speaker Pat Grassley have the ability to set the agenda for how their caucus votes and to decide which bill makes it to the floor for a vote. That's why they need to hear from you! Please add your name and comments to our sign on letter and then ask your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same.
Feb 25: Public School Strong orientation
Everyday Iowans know that strong public schools are a cornerstone of our communities and democracy. By organizing in our neighborhoods and at local school board meetings, we can create positive, common sense solutions to address the real issues our schools are facing.
That's why we're part of Public School Strong - a national movement of parents, teachers, students, and community members pushing for honest, equitable, safe, and fully-funded public education. And we're growing the movement all across the state - check out some recent press from Decorah here!
Be a part of Public School Strong! Join our next orientation session on Tuesday, February 25 at 6pm over Zoom. More info and RSVP here.
March 4: Des Moines community meeting on policing
Iowa CCI members continue to address the issues of disparate policing in Des Moines. The hiring of new Chief of Police Michael McTaggart provides an opportunity to reset and address the issues many have faced in our community.
That's why we're hosting a community meeting where everyday people to ask questions directly to Chief McTaggart, learn what he is doing to improve policing, and his vision moving forward to build better relationships between police and residents.
The meeting will be Tuesday, March 4 at the Polk County Senior Center, 2008 Forest Avenue starting at 6:30 p.m. You can RSVP here or call 515-255-0800.
Update
85 counties pass the Master Matrix
85 counties passed the Master Matrix resolution over the course the last month. Thanks to all of you who weighed in with your County Supervisors!
Factory farms in those counties must meet additional requirements before they can build, modify, or expand. And County Supervisors can provide input to producers and make recommendations to the DNR on approving construction permits.
Save the Date
Iowa CCI is turning 50!
We're hammering out the details and don't know much yet. But we know we're turning 50, we've got the Iowa Events Center reserved for July 25 &26, and we know we want to see you there! So please save the date and stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details - it'll be good!
What We're Reading
These are a few links that are informing our work - we've shared them so that you can read, too!
They spoke up about factory farming. Now, they're being threatened by their neighbors. [Vox]
Brenna Bird hid the ball on major disability case. Now she's lying about it [Bleeding Heartland]
Iowa sheriff, not Kim Reynolds, has the proper stance on detaining immigrants [Des Moines Register]
An authoritarian America is almost here [Deep Midwest: Politics and Culture]
Trump's department of make believe [Barry Piatt on Politics]