This week in Iowa organizing…
For those keeping tabs, on this day in 1980 3M began selling Post-it Notes. And don't worry, the bad jokes will stop here (can't say the same for much coming out of the statehouse though).
I just looked at the CCI calendar and a lot is coming up over the next few weeks. So let's just get to it, read on for more,
Matthew Covington
Strategic Operations Director
April is CCI Action's Sustainer Drive!
This year, our goal is to increase our sustainers from 21% to 25% of our membership. 2026 is big year. We have incredible momentum on our campaigns for public schools and for protecting our water and health. We want to make these top election issues up and down the ballot and build long-lasting people power in the process.
Your small, budget-friendly monthly pledges add up to tremendous, large impact all year long! Sign up as a sustainer today! It’s easier on your budget, makes CCI Action stronger, and we’ll send you our People over Profits socks.
At the Statehouse
Adjournment on the horizon?
The Iowa legislature is scheduled to adjourn on April 21, but will they? Lawmakers are still debating property tax reform and beginning to take action on budget bills.
Other items still be addressed (mind you, after 3+ months of opportunities for action) - funding Iowa's water quality monitors and addressing eminent domain abuse by private companies like Bruce Rastetter's Summit pipeline. HF 2104 is still on the unfinished business calendar - if you haven't contacted your Senator on this yet, you can do so here.
Still funnel proof:
HF 2709: would allow farmers the "right to repair." Passed House subcommittee, but still a ways to go to become law.
HF 2687: would provide funding to retrofit up to 100 existing private wells with groundwater monitoring equipment, more than doubling the approximately 60 wells currently monitoring our groundwater.
HF 2711: would remove several affirmative action and equal opportunity measures currently required under Iowa state law.
HF 2296: would take local control away from municipalities by prohibiting them from issuing Community IDs to their residents.
Take action
Tonight - April 6: Iowa needs its water sensors
Iowa’s real-time nitrate water sensor network is in danger of losing funding on June 30. But Iowa state legislators have the power to restore its funding this session.
Larry Weber, Director of the IIHR-Hydroscience and Engineering and the creator of the water quality sensor network, will share why the network is important for Iowa, especially small municipalities in rural counties.
Organized by our allies Jefferson County Farmers & Neighbors, Inc., more info and RSVP here.
April 11: training to fight authoritarianism
On April 11, Iowa CCI will be partnering with Iowa Movement for Migrant Justice, Indivisible 515, and Iowa NICER to host a free half-day training in Des Moines on fighting authoritarianism.
In this training, you'll learn what authoritarianism looks like, what movements have done around the world to fight back against authoritarians and win, and how you can take action with local groups in Iowa to protect democracy. Learn more and RSVP here.
April 15: Iowa Utilities Commission meeting
Join us for the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 15th at 8:30 am in Des Moines.
The IUC has been seeking input on their next steps for Summit's proposed CO2 pipeline, with Summit requesting to consolidate and fast track the process. Join us at this meeting to make public comment and urge them to put people and planet first by:
Not consolidating Summit's plans
Not fast-tracking the process, and
Don't amend Summit's conditions in the Phase 1 permit
We know that every community impacted by this project deserves to have their voices heard. Join us to tell the IUC to listen to Iowans over a private corporation. RSVP here!
April 22: Iowa Water 101 on 🌎Earth Day
Join us on Earth Day for an Iowa Water 101 to discuss the water crisis facing Iowa and how we got here. We'll learn where our water is clean and why, where it's impaired or vulnerable and why, and the number of interconnected factors at play.
We'll be joined by guest water quality expert Dr. Alyssa Mianecki, a researcher with the University of Iowa Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination (CHEEC).
Join us Earth Day, April 22 from 5-6pm:
On Zoom - The meeting will be hosted on Zoom so you can tune in from anywhere.
Des Moines area - We invite you to watch it in community here on the big screen at the CCI headquarters.
This webinar is for anyone concerned about water quality and quantity in Iowa. RSVP here to reserve your spot!
April 25: People's Candidate Forum in Davenport
At CCI Action, we believe candidates need to hear from everyday people about the problems we face and how to solve them.
That’s why we are excited to announce that we will be holding a People’s Candidate Forum in Davenport featuring US Senate candidate Zach Wahls and 1st Congressional District candidate Travis Terrell! Register here to join us!
As the 2026 elections approach, it's our job lift up the experiences of everyday Iowans and push for the solutions we deserve. This forum is an opportunity to make your voice heard.
April 27: Public School Strong orientation
12 school boards have passed our resolution calling on the legislature to fully fund public schools at 5% and phase out of the private school vouchers. Will your district be next?
Full funding for public schools starts at the school board level and we invite you to join other Iowans to our next Public School Strong orientation on April 27 at 7 pm on zoom (register here).
At this meeting folks will learn more about what’s behind the attacks on public education, the purpose and goals of Public School Strong, and receive a free PSS t-shirt!
Water Talk
The 2026 testing season is off and rolling! We have received 124 nitrate test kit requests since March 1 – thank you Citizen Scientists!
If you are interested in testing water but missed the Zoom, here’s a link to the recording. If you are looking for more information about the program or to order a free test kit, you can also visit CCI’s Nitrate Watch Water Testing page here.
The testing crew meets on the last Thursday of the month to share information and discuss what we are seeing. Our next Zoom is April 30 at 5pm. Click here to register! The spring rain is here so the time to get baseline tests is now! Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions - kim@iowacci.org.
Important resource links:
www.cleanwaterhub.com/nitratewatch - log your data and connect it to CCI
Make a Plan worksheet – handy resource to make a monitoring plan
Save the Dates
CCI Action Summer ConventionSaturday, July 25, 10am - 4pm
Grandview College, Des Moines
Join us for our annual gathering where we come together from across the state and across issue campaigns to refresh, learn, plan, and recommit to the work ahead. Details and registration coming soon!
Plant Sale Fundraiser
May 8 & 9, Des Moines: As always, this member-led fundraiser is held the Friday & Saturday of Mother's Day Weekend. Organic veggie starts from several local growers, mostly heirloom varieties. Also, herbs, prairie plants, Iowa wildflowers, and other hearty yard perennial plant divisions.
What We're Reading
These are a few links that are informing our work - we've shared them so that you can read, too!
Another search for voter fraud fizzles [Cedar Rapids Gazette]
Higher cancer rates in counties with more CAFOs, study finds [The New Lede]
Iowa needs workers, but Iowa lawmakers are driving them away [Des Moines Register]
'No Kings 3' highlights what's changed in rural Minnesota [The Daily Yonder]
When "Iowa Nice" meets lawmakers' mean-spiritedness [Rekha shouts & whispers]