Iowa event locations:
Ames, Bettendorf, Dubuque, Blue Grass, Burlington, Cedar Falls, Carroll, Davenport, Decorah, Des Moines, Grinnell, Indianola, Iowa City, Hiawatha, Jackson Junction, Jefferson, Mason City, Ottumwa, Solon, Vinton, Walcott, Waterloo,
For event times and locations go to Iowa Starting Line or Mobilize.us
Iowa May Day Strong
Senate approves bill stripping references to affirmative action from Iowa lawby Kathie Obradovich, Iowa Capital Dispatch
April 29, 2026
Controversial legislation stripping numerous references to affirmative action from state law and eliminating training requirements related to racial and culture awareness for police is headed to the governor’s desk.
The Iowa Senate approved House File 2711 Wednesday on a 31-15 vote.
The term affirmative action is broadly applied to policies or programs aimed at eliminating unlawful discrimination, remedying the effects of past discrimination and improving opportunities for underrepresented groups, including racial minorities, women and people with disabilities.
Sen. Jason Schultz, R-Schleswig, floor manager of the bill, called affirmative action part of a “malicious ideology.”
“I sum it up as a soft racism of low expectations. This is a toxic belief that not all people are equal,” he said.
“Those who hold this belief often think they’re benevolent, even generous. Often others are less altruistic and simply want advantages for some at the expense of others, for reasons such as social engineering,” Schultz said. “Either is a toxic mindset that should be rejected and certainly does not belong in Iowa code …”
Democrats disputed Schultz’s characterization.
“Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. Even after this bill, Iowa will still be an equal opportunity employer,” Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner, D-Iowa City, said. “Our plan to enforce equal opportunity is our affirmative action plan. No one in this state, no one here, has been enforcing racial quotas for the last 10 years. Affirmative action is simply our promise that we will look everywhere for the best candidate for the job.”
She said repealing affirmative action won’t promote merit. “It returns us to the nepotism and corruption of the old system when employers just look for their friends to hire … the folks who look like them, the folks they were used to hanging out with.”
Weiner also said the state may see a financial hit. “Further, we have no idea how much this may cost the state and federal funding if it turns out we are no longer in compliance with federal affirmative action standards,” she said.
Weiner and other Democrats also argued that eliminating the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy’s training requirements related to racial and cultural awareness could endanger officers. “Yes, departments could still choose to train, but then it’s on their dime, and it will put officers in greater danger in unfamiliar circumstances,” Weiner said.
The bill, which passed the House on March 4, heads to the governor’s desk.
Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com.
Ed Flaherty of Veterans For Peace addressing about 75 people gathered to protest the military action in Venezuela over the weekend.
This letter from Ed Flaherty was published in the Cedar Rapids Gazette April 25.
[BFIA editor’s note: There appears to be some discrepancy as to the actual date the War Powers Resolution kicks in. Some sources say May 1st]
What happens to Trump’s war powers after April 25?
by Ed Flaherty
Our current war with Iran started Feb. 28. Sixty days from that date is April 25. The 1973 War Powers Resolution is the law of the land. It mandates that any U.S. lethal armed conflict not authorized by Congress must cease within 60 days of its inception.
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Sens. Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley have repeatedly voted against efforts to stop this ill-conceived, illegal, ill-fated war. It will now be their duty on April 25 to remind the president that war on Iran must stop. Their failure to do so on April 26 will be an abject confession that the laws that Congress has made don’t matter.
Ed Flaherty
Iowa City
Iowa’s Water: It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 6:30 – 8pm
Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C, Livestream
Iowa’s water quality is among the worst in the nation. Water quality challenges impact the health and well being of Iowans who require safe drinking water and clean lakes, rivers and streams.
David M. Cwiertny, Ph.D. will provide an overview of the current state of Iowa’s water resources, focusing on challenges at the intersection of water quality, public health, and quality of life in Iowa. He will provide examples of how Iowa’s neighbor states are cleaning up their waters.
This event is live and in-person, and will be streamed live on the ICPL YouTube channel
This event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Johnson County and the Iowa City Public Library.
Open to the public
If you need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this event, please contact the Library (319) 356-5200
Contact Information
League of Women Voters of Johnson County, Iowa
Non-profit citizen’s group
Susan Enzle
(319) 466-7531
Rebecca Conard
(615) 975-0593
This is my second post about The Lobe Rangers. They are doing an amazing thing, educating the public about farming and how to do it so everyone has a positive outcome. I feel like the information they share needs to get out there to regular Iowans, many of whom like me, probably don’t know a lot about farming. Even having grown up in Iowa and having lived here my entire life I know little about farming.
It’s actually a pretty cool thing learning about the science and math of it. We are an agriculture economy and culture. If Iowa is going to make positive changes to our environment and if we are going to clean up our water, it’s beneficial to understand some of the complexities of farming. I find their videos easy to understand and user-friendly. I appreciate their effort.
To get the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy to work, it’s going to take more farmers participating.
“The science is clear. A few percent of acres won’t move the needle. It takes a majority of the landscape every spring to show up in long term improvement trends in the river. On the Des Moines Lobe where I farm, less than 5% of acres have a cover crop.” – Zach, The Lobe Rangers
Follow The Lobe Rangers, working to be part of the solution to Iowa’s polluted water problems.
“The Lobe Rangers are conservation-minded Iowa farmers who are fed up with the misinformation around modern agriculture. We’re on the ground doing the work improving soil health and water quality every day. But real progress takes shared responsibility. Our mission is to educate the public on what’s actually happening across Iowa’s landscape and push the conversation forward with truth, transparency, and action. – The Lobe Rangers
More info here: What is the Des Moines Lobe?
Check out their website. You can also follow the Lobe Rangers on YouTube and Facebook
In Spring, when the world starts turning green, hope is everywhere. For a Democrat that means hope to advance our policies and aspirations in a society where corruption, greed, and large scale grifters would swindle from us the hard won freedom and tolerance we forged over the century after the Civil War. Each year it feels real and we engage in the next election cycle, hoping to do better, staying in the fight.
37 days from the primary, it’s time to choose. In November, I’ll support the Democrats on the ballot. There are contested primary races before then, and I don’t have much else to say about races where there is only one candidate.
U.S. Senate
It would be hard for me to be in anyone’s camp but Zach Wahls. I remember him setting up an apartment in Coralville as Chloe joined him, when Elijah was an idea. I remember his first campaign for state senate against Janice Weiner. The two of them were everywhere in the district, putting in the work. He attended an event we hosted in Solon and brought the president of the Solon Community School Board, which was a first for our local politics. That early period was important to my current support.
Zach’s support for Elizabeth Warren during her 2020 presidential campaign typifies the kinds of policies he supports: taxing the wealthy, consumer protections, and improved health care for all. On the issues, Zach’s policies align with mine and continue to do so. He would support Warren’s efforts to hold corporations to account, tax wealth, enforce strict financial accountability, put teeth into anti-trust regulation, protect consumers, determine a way to fix the gap in Social Security, and transition to Medicare for all. These policies are right for Iowa and the country.
During his tenure as Senate Minority Leader, Wahls was ousted in 2023, purportedly for firing two long-term staffers. I won’t rehash that, and note the unanimous vote of the caucus to remove him. Was Iowa better for re-hiring those two people afterward?
Here’s the thing. Wahls got too far over his skis and ahead of the caucus on this action. At the same time, isn’t pushing the party in a better direction what we want from leadership? I think it is, and that’s what Wahls offers in his run for U.S. Senate. We must be agents of change. He would be… and this is why I support Zach Wahls in the June 2 primary.
First Congressional District
I support Christina Bohannan for U.S. House in Iowa’s First Congressional District Democratic primary.
I am spoiled by having had access to Dave Loebsack from before he announced for the House, through winning in 2006, and during his subsequent tenure. After he retired, and Rita Hart lost to Mariannette Miller-Meeks by six votes, my part of the state in rural Johnson County has been dominated by Republicans. With Bohannan’s persistence, and despite her previous losses, we have a chance to change that. I am pragmatic enough to know this is not about policy, but about a Democrat winning in November. A lot is at stake in winning a Democratic majority in the U.S. House, and as Bohannan said, we should “put Iowa first.” Count me in.
Johnson County Supervisor—District Two
I support Jon Green for Johnson County Supervisor in District 2.
At the precinct caucus I said,
Jon showed up in our area, canvassed with me, and listened — which tells you exactly the kind of County Supervisor he is.
One of the hardest issues we face is the jail. Jon understands we need a solution that works for the county, for county employees, and for the people who are incarcerated there — and that means real leadership, not delay or division.
As chair, Jon has proven he can lead in difficult moments. He builds coalitions, believes in transparency and debate, and makes sure every voice is heard.
At a time when local communities are often caught between state and federal pressures, Jon will stand up for this county.
We need local leaders who understand not only what the law requires, but what the people demand.
Those early observations remain important to my endorsement.
With the Solon Area Democrats we arranged an early forum for all three candidates in the primary, the other two being Jessica Andino and Janet Godwin. They are both talented, accomplished people, and qualified to be a supervisor. However, after too many delays, it is time to build a new jail and Jon put the coalition together. We should enable him to finish this work after the push for the November ballot issue.
One more thing. The issue of changing the form of county government was promoted at the League of Women Voters District 2 supervisor forum April 18. I oppose the idea, which I first heard at the county convention from Sue Dvorsky. Jon opposes it, as well. Here is my thinking from the April 21, Cedar Rapids Gazette.
As mentioned at the top, I will support Democrats in November. We have to get through the primary first, without any self-inflicted wounds that give Republicans an advantage.
Editor’s Note: These endorsements are those of Paul Deaton, and not of Blog for Iowa or any of our great writers and supporters..
The period leading up to the June 2 primary is usually one of the quieter stretches on Iowa’s political calendar, and 2026 is following that pattern. Most candidates have entered their races, the filing deadline having passed in March, and ballots are largely set. For those facing competitive primaries, the work now is less about public engagement and more about methodical outreach—fundraising, calling through supporter lists, securing endorsements, and ensuring turnout operations are in place.
Meanwhile, many voters are focused elsewhere. Spring in Iowa brings farm planting, yard work, fishing, bicycling, and the general pull of being outdoors after a long winter, which tends to dampen political attention. Voter turnout for a midterm election is typically less than in presidential years.
The most visible local activity this week has come on the Republican side in southeast Iowa. Congressional candidate David Pautsch began deploying more yard and barn signs in his effort to unseat incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks as the party’s nominee. The increased sign presence stands out compared to his 2024 run, when such visibility was limited. Even so, the fundamentals appear to favor Miller-Meeks. Through her use of franking privileges and regular congressional newsletters, she has maintained consistent communication with Republican voters in the district. That kind of sustained visibility should translate into enough baseline support to withstand a primary challenge.
In the governor’s race, Rob Sand occupies a relatively quiet but advantageous position. Without a primary opponent, he is able to focus entirely on building a general election coalition. That means fundraising, message development, and outreach to constituencies that will matter in November rather than expending resources on intra-party competition. This kind of political space is valuable, particularly in a cycle where Democrats see a potential opening.
Party organizational activity continues in the background. District conventions on May 2, followed by the June 13 state convention are approaching. These gatherings tend to be dominated by party insiders and activists. They play a role in shaping party platforms and selecting certain nominees, yet they rarely capture broader public attention during this phase of the cycle.
While those outside political inner circles often overlook its activity, the Iowa Legislature continues to shape much of what affects Iowans day to day. Lawmakers are now working past the traditional 100-day session mark, moving into overtime as they negotiate final pieces of the state budget. This extended timeline reflects unresolved disagreements—primarily within the Republican majority itself.
Although Republicans control both chambers, they have not been aligned on spending priorities and policy details. Differences between factions—ranging from traditional conservatives to those pushing for sharper policy shifts—have slowed final agreements. That internal negotiation tends to happen largely out of public view, giving the impression of inactivity when most of the work is happening behind closed doors.
For most voters, the details of budget targets or policy language remain distant concerns, especially this time of year. Nonetheless, the outcome of the session will set the fiscal and policy baseline that candidates from both parties will campaign on through the summer and into November.
At the national level, Iowa received attention when the Democratic National Committee agreed to consider the state’s case to regain early-state status in the 2028 presidential nominating calendar, potentially even returning to first-in-the-nation. For now, this is more background noise than an active political force. The decision ultimately hinges on whether the DNC is willing to reverse its post-2020 shift away from Iowa. While some state Democrats actively make that case, it has not yet translated into widespread grassroots discussion. There may be developments in May, but there is just as much chance the issue remains unresolved for some time.
Stepping back, the larger landscape remains defined by a mix of opportunity and constraint. Democrats view 2026 as a cycle with unusual openings, driven in part by open seats and voter dissatisfaction. At the same time, Republicans retain a structural advantage in statewide races and voter registration. Any internal divisions that emerge in Republican primaries could have downstream effects, but for now, the balance of power has not fundamentally shifted. The weeks ahead are less about dramatic change and more about quiet positioning before the electorate engages closer to the primary.
Spring is also a great time to engage in the political process by attending a fund raiser or by volunteering for a candidate in an important primary race. Don’t have a candidate? The county party always needs your help.
Spring has sprung, and with it, opportunities to engage in the political process wait for your attention. Put it on your daily planner: do one thing each day to stay engaged in the political discussion that could change Iowa’s politics. Then, take a walk to consider that life is better than what our Republican politicians make it with their governance.
Statehouse newsletter from representative, Elinor Levin, HD89 Iowa City.
I would like to begin by extending compassion to all those affected by the tragic shooting in our community on Sunday morning. Acts of violence like what occurred at the Ped Mall were once so uncommon as to be unimaginable but have now become all-too-expected in our society, and cause each of us to pause and grapple with the long-term effects. I’m thinking of the victims trying to recover mentally and physically; the families with a loved one who was involved; the students at UIowa forced to take shelter for safety; the residents of Iowa City attempting to make sense of senseless violence; and everyone, including the perpetrators, whose lives have been forever changed by what will one day be a piece of history. Gun violence leaves no one untouched, so I continue to work for common sense gun legislation.
Tuesday was the 100th day of session, which is the day we were supposed to adjourn for the year, but infighting between Republicans has us looking at a full week, potentially many more weeks, of work. We have yet to pass budgets or make any meaningful change to property taxes, stated top priorities for the majority party this session. Affordability is top of mind for voters in this election as grocery prices, gas prices, and housing prices rise. In the remaining days of this legislative session, I will work on building a state where everyone has access to a quality of life that supports them and their family’s future.
We debated several bills this week as we wrap up consideration of legislation. I am frustrated to see the Right to Repair bill show up on the debate calendar again and again, just to be pulled from consideration. On the other hand, there are plenty of bills that I’ll be glad to see never come to the floor, including the Veterans Service bill that I wrote about several weeks ago. One passed on Monday that really feels wrong to me. Currently, foster placement decisions are always made in the best interests of the child, and the beliefs and practices of the family are as closely matched to the child as possible. This bill will take the priority away from the child’s needs.
Iowa Cancer Consortium Sunscreen program
In an effort to promote sun-safety and reduce the risk of skin cancer, the Iowa Cancer Consortium, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and the University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center will distribute 90 gallons of SPF30 sunscreen across Iowa this summer! Along with sunscreen, awarded projects will educate the community about the risks of UV exposure and ways they can prevent skin cancer.
Applications are due by 11:59pm CDT on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Reach out to Kelly Rollins at rollins@canceriowa.org with any questions.
Learn more at https://canceriowa.org/sunscreen.
Legislative Session Set to Go into Overtime
Budget Mess Leaves Iowa Families Behind
As the legislative session passes the scheduled adjournment, Republican lawmakers have yet to figure out the state’s budget or pass real relief for Iowans.
Massive tax giveaways to corporations and the wealthiest Iowans, combined with unchecked spending on private school vouchers, are pushing Iowa into a fiscal death spiral. The Republican-led budget is projected to produce another $1 billion deficit in Fiscal Year 2027. This comes on top of a roughly $1.4 billion shortfall this year, marking a stretch in which spending has consistently outpaced revenue.
At a moment when Iowa needs serious solutions, House Democrats introduced legislation to deliver immediate property tax relief, lower costs, raise wages, help family farms, and ensure clean, healthy water for Iowa.
But instead of working toward results, Republican lawmakers have refused to consider any of these bills. We are at the 100-day deadline, and there’s still no serious plan from them to lower costs, ease the burden on families, or tackle the challenges facing our state. Iowans deserve action, not delays, not excuses, and especially not more of the same.
Vouchers to Cost Iowa Taxpayers $1 Billion
Under the Republican lawmaker-approved voucher program, Iowa taxpayers can expect to pay more than $1 billion to private school vouchers over the next four years.
Budget projections show that private school vouchers are among the fastest-growing parts of the state budget. The increase is so dramatic because the richest families in Iowa are now eligible for almost $8,000 annually to send their children to private school, once income limits were removed. As a result, in the current school year, 99% of private school students now have their tuition subsidized by the state through the voucher program.
Public schools are required by law to accept every student, regardless of ability or status. Private schools are allowed to discriminate and pick and choose students based on their race, religion, and ability. During debate on a bill that would increase funding for charter schools, House Democrats pushed a straightforward fix: if voucher-funded private schools take public dollars, they should accept all students. Even Republican Congressman Randy Feenstra agrees, and Iowa House Republicans still voted no.
The private school voucher program represents another instance of Iowans’ hard-earned tax dollars going to those at the top. Republican lawmakers have underfunded public schools while directing more taxpayer dollars to private schools, leaving public education to do more with less.
Capitol and Community Updates
DECREASED HEALTH CARE ACCESS IN IOWA: Instead of addressing the problem of health care access as more clinics and hospitals close, House Republican lawmakers made it harder for teens to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which could add to Iowa’s already high cancer rates. The majority party members are also pushing to restrict access to reproductive health care and telehealth options.
SUPPORT FOR IOWA FAMILY FARMS & LOCAL FOOD PROGRAMS: More investments in our family farms, including local food programs, beginning farmers, and solutions to the large-animal vet shortages, passed the Iowa House.
NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION TAKE-BACK DAY: From 10 am to 2 pm on April 25, you can drop off your unused prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to be disposed of safely. If you miss Saturday’s event, visit the Dept of Public Safety’s website to find locations across Iowa that participate year-round.
HELP FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES: Two bills supporting emergency services moved forward this week in the House Ways & Means Committee. One bill makes sure property taxes approved by voters for EMS actually go to those services. The other expands a $250 income tax credit to include volunteer ambulance drivers.
GOVERNOR SIGNS SEVERAL BILLS INTO LAW: As the session moves forward, the Governor has signed several bills into law. See what changes could impact you.
Newsletter from state rep. Elinor Levin
Blog For Iowa 