This week in Iowa organizing…
The federal government shutdown appears to be nearing an end. It seems like a mixed bag but we won't know for sure until signed by the President.
Extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits were not included in the deal, merely the "promise" to hold a vote on the matter in December. And we may go through all of this again soon as the proposal on the table would keep the government open until Jan. 30, 2026.
So take a breath, but then get ready to start contacting your elected officials again as we near a supposed vote to address skyrocketing health insurance premiums.
Read on for several ways to take action for our water, what we're reading, and more,
Matthew Covington
Strategic Operations Director
Take action
Nov. 13 & Dec. 9: Pre-legislative dig-ins
The 2025 state legislative session was a whirlwind of activity, with mixed results on policy that impact the people and places we love. However, a key defining victory of last session was Iowans coming together to defeat Bayer's "Cancer Gag Act."
We want to go into 2026 committed and ready to defeat Bayer again, and discuss other priorities we'll be lifting up like restoring funding for water quality monitoring sensors, increasing funding for local conservation practices, and funding to map our aquifers.
Join us on Nov. 13 and Dec. 9 for our Pre-legislative Planning zoom series to enter the new year strong:
Nov. 15: Water quality solutions town hall
Join us for a crucial town hall discussion to move from scientific findings to actionable policy and community solutions for Iowa's water quality crisis.
This event is a direct follow-up to the recent Central Iowa Source Water Research Assessment (CISWRA) presentation at Drake University, which provided a comprehensive look at the state of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. Now, it’s time for the community to engage in finding solutions. This event is co-sponsored by Iowa CCI, Iowa Food and Water Watch, and Progress Iowa.
This is your opportunity to connect the science of the CISWRA report with tangible steps for action. Whether you are a farmer, urban resident, local official, or simply a concerned Iowan, your input is vital to protecting our water resources. Info and RSVP here!
Nov. 19: Public School Strong strategy meeting
The Bennett Community School Board was the first to pass our resolution calling for fully fund public schools (5% increase in SSA) and phasing out private school vouchers over the next 5 years. We’ve submitted resolutions to several school boards: Ames, Ankeny, Ballard, Des Moines, and Webster City, and there are more to come.
We’ve met thousands of people across Iowa who know the critical importance of our public schools. But how do we keep this momentum going and build a grassroots force to be reckoned with?
Join us on Nov 19 at 7pm over Zoom to hear about what we’ve learned and help us determine how to build more power to win a statewide increase in funding for public schools. RSVP here.
Nov. 22: Marshalltown Clean Water meeting
We know Iowa's water is in trouble. We also know there are solutions that can get us on track to cleaner, safer water. What Iowa lacks when it comes to our water crisis is political will.
That's where everyday people, like you and me, come in. On Saturday, November 22 at 2pm we'll be meeting at the Marshalltown Public Library to talk about how we can take action to protect our water.
At this meeting we will dig in on CCI Action's legislative priorities for next session and discuss ways we can keep building the momentum for real action on our water. RSVP to join us here!
CCI Action 2025 year-end campaign - join us!
Our year-end campaign is our week-long, power building party! It's our biggest fundraiser and membership drive of the year and is critical to growing CCI Action's membership.
The week of Dec 1 - 5 members and staff will be working together to raise much needed funds for 2026, renew current CCI Action members, and ask new people to join our movement. Calls are a great way to connect with members and others across the state, renew their membership, and raise funds to do the work.
In Des Moines, we have two shifts daily Mon-Thurs from 12-3pm and 5-8pm, and a 12-3pm shift on Dec 5. Tuesday Dec 2 will be Public School Strong day on the phones in Des Moines and we'll also have remote phone banks in Iowa City and Grafton.
Sign up here to join a phone bank.
BONUS! Fundraising volunteers will receive this year's limited-edition CCI Action swag. Any questions, contact kim@iowacci.org.
What We're Reading
These are a few links that are informing our work - we've shared them so that you can read, too!
When hunger becomes a political weapon [Bleeding Heartland]
ICE has created a 'ghost town' in the heart of Chicago [The Bulwark]
Washington could learn from us [Indianola Independent Advocate]
I'm as capitalist as they get but Medicare for all is the best hope for US healthcare [The Guardian]
Council Bluffs doctor raises concerns about coal ash disposal near waterways and potential impact on health [KMTV]