This week in Iowa organizing…
We just received word from members up in Worth County about another victory in our work to protect the people and places we love from corporate power.
This morning, the Worth County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance that, among other measures, enacts a 1/2 mile separation distance between homes and the proposed CO2 pipeline! Members thanked the Supervisors for taking action and sending a signal that our rural communities aren't playgrounds for corporations that hollow out our towns to simply line their pockets.
It's a reminder that we don't take on fights because they're easy - we do it because our communities, loved ones, and collective well-being are worth fighting for. And it's a testament to the power of everyday people from all walks of life coming together to speak out for what's right and holding the wealthy elite accountable.
So in that spirit, and despite the odds and challenges thrown at us, let's keep at it.
For each other and our future,
Matthew Covington
Strategic Operations Director
Update
13 Iowa counties have yet to pass the Master Matrix before the Jan. 31 deadline - Davis, Des Moines, Guthrie, Jackson, Keokuk, Louisa, Mahaska, Marshall, Osceola, Plymouth, Sac, Taylor, Warren.
The Master Matrix allows counties to have some say in whether or not a factory farm can build in our communities. Read more and reach out to your Supervisors here.
At the Statehouse
Still coming into focus
Lawmakers are beginning to hold hearings on bills while more keep being introduced. With the first legislative funnel deadline still nearly two months away, we don't expect clarity on the real focus of this session yet. So for this week we're going to stick with some "good/bad/weird", and tidbits of other news. Here we go!
Good (update): Senate Study Bill 1012 - allows SNAP users increased purchasing power for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, grocery stores, and more. Passed subcommittee, read more here.
Good: Senate File 136 - allows counties to establish setback distances for hazardous liquid pipelines, prohibits the Iowa Utilities Commission from issuing CO2 pipeline permit until federal rules are adopted, requires 90% voluntary easements before eminent domain can be used, and more
Bad: Senate File 94 - makes way too many changes to Iowa's voting laws, including banning drop boxes and ranked choice voting
Weird: House File 44 - if you were itching to set off fireworks on Election Day, then this bill is for you.
Tidbits:
Read more on our take from Governor Reynolds' Condition of the State address from CCI board member Barb Kalbach here
Just outside the statehouse, it appears the Iowa Department of Education thinks there's just too much science in our education these days
Take action
Jan. 28: Public School Strong orientation
Despite the increasing attacks on public education by politicians and corporate actors with deep pockets, 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. Check out recent news coverage featuring CCI Public School Strong leaders here!
Be a part of the growing movement! Join our next orientation session on Tuesday, January 28 at 6pm over Zoom. More info and RSVP here.
Feb. 10: Defeat the "Cancer Gag Act" day of action
Bayer says they want to help Iowa farmers thrive. Problem is they also want to silence us. Join CCI Action and the Defeat the Cancer Gag Act coalition for a day of action on Feb 10! RSVP here.
Fact # 1 – Bayer is pushing a bill at the Iowa legislature that would make it harder for us to take them to court if we get sick from using chemicals like Roundup
Fact #2 – In 2015, an international research agency determined that Roundup’s main active ingredient was probably carcinogenic. And Bayer knew that when they bought Monsanto in 2018
Fact #3 – In a state with the second highest cancer rates in the country and the only state where rates are rising, now’s not the time to sweep this problem under the rug
Iowans deserve to be heard, not silenced. Join us on Feb 10 from 1 PM-4PM in Des Moines to take action!
Feb. 13: Join us for treats and thank-you calls
We're hosting TWO Thank-A-Thon phone banks this year - from 1-4pm and 5:30-8:30pm at our Des Moines office. Come by for some sweet treats, to socialize with staff and other volunteers, and help us make calls to show our appreciation for the people who make CCI such a powerful force for good!
These will be easy calls to thank folks that have been involved with CCI recently. We had some great conversations last year! Whether you only have time for a treat and a couple of calls or hang out for a full shift, we would love to see you on the 13th!
To RSVP, or if you have any questions, please give us a call at (515)255-0800 or email kim@iowacci.org. This helps make sure we have enough snacks for everyone. We look forward to having you jump on the phones with us to help thank our awesome members for their support!
What We're Reading
These are a few links that are informing our work - we've shared them so that you can read, too!
Voucher use increased enrollment for Iowa's private schools [Bleeding Heartland]
Cancer & the Agchurian Candidate [Swine Republic]
Trump doesn't get to decide what the constitution means [New York Times]
Federal appeals court upholds injunction blocking Iowa immigration law [Iowa Capital Dispatch]
'It's a death sentence': US health insurance system is failing, say doctors [The Guardian]