We made it through the week, Dave!

It’s going to be a rainy weekend here in Iowa, but as the old saying goes; “April showers bring May flowers,” and we’re looking forward to the blooming plants that will hopefully sprout over the next few weeks.

Let’s take a look at our top story for today:

1. EARTH DAY EVENTS: Today is Earth Day and we’re utilizing the day to focus on how we all can work together to address climate change. Here are events happening all across the state that you can get involved with as well:

•Heartland Presbyterian Church in Des Moines is hosting a climate change conference this weekend with State Senator Rob Hogg speaking, as well as others. You can watch the live stream at 6:30 p.m. today and 8 a.m. tomorrow at this link here: Heartland Presbyterian Livestream

•Sierra Club Events: The Sierra Club is the nation’s largest environmental activism organization and is hosting events this weekend in honor of Earth Day. You can see these events here: Calendar of Events

•EcoFest Cedar Rapids 2022 – And tomorrow after a two year hiatus, Cedar Rapids is hosting EcoFest at NewBo Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Go out and join this family friendly event with food, games, and a lot to learn!

Click to Tweet: This #EarthDay, I’m committed to holding our elected officials accountable to take swift action in addressing climate change in Iowa! It’s time to put our future ahead of corporations & political agendas! #Iowa #IALegis

After you share that message, check out some of the other top stories we’re watching today:

2. REYNOLDS JOINS ALL-REPUBLICAN BORDER TEAM: Governor Reynolds’ decision to join a group of only Republican Governors to focus on immigration is her latest effort to distract us from the workforce crisis she created in Iowa as our job growth continues to lag behind national numbers. Just last year, Gov. Reynolds said a surge of migrants at the border was “not our problem” and refused a request for help with unaccompanied children at the border. By joining a so-called “Border Strike Force,” Gov. Reynolds and her corporate donors are trying to divide us – by stoking fear against people based on where they come from or what they look like.

3. HINSON SUPPORTS GOP EFFORTS TO RESTRICT VOTING: At a town hall this week, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson agreed with one of her supporters that mail-in ballots and voter drop boxes call election integrity into question, in a continued effort to push the Republican false narrative that there was widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. Instead of continuing the Big Lie, Hinson could have shut down that rumor and asserted once and for all that the 2020 election wasn’t rigged, and that our election process is fair.

4. AXNE’S VOTES HELP RURAL IOWANS: Billions of dollars in federal funding will provide greater support to rural Iowa’s infrastructure thanks to Congresswoman Axne’s vote for President Biden’s infrastructure plan. Despite the fact that Axne was the only member of Iowa’s House delegation to vote in support of the bill, Congresswoman Hinson and Miller-Meeks, along with Governor Reynolds, continue to take credit for this historic investment. It’s time these elected officials give credit where credit is due.

5. LGBTQ+ DAY OF SILENCE: Today is the GLSEN Day of Silence for LGBTQ+ students and allies who are standing together across the country to bring attention to the bullying and discrimination that queer students face. Right here in Iowa, LGBTQ+ students have been at the center of many partisan attacks from Iowa’s Republican lawmakers. We need to be doing better as a state to protect students of all backgrounds, especially LGBTQ+ students.

Want to hear more from our team? You can go to our online news blog, Potluck, to hear from Iowans and leaders around the state. Want to help progressive messaging and policy in the state of Iowa? Sign up at ProgressIowa.org to volunteer, donate, and hear more from our team!

Thanks for reading, and we’ll get back with you Monday for another Hive Five!

1. GRASSLEY WON’T STAND FOR VOTING RIGHTS: Senator Chuck Grassley is back with another bad take. During a town hall meeting in Pocahontas Tuesday night, Grassley made it clear that he will not support any voting rights legislation being proposed in Washington, including the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. We’re sick of Republicans attacking our freedoms and silencing our voices. Share this tweet to call on Grassley to support voting rights legislation and make sure every vote counts.

Click to Tweet: I believe in a democracy that works for us all! That’s why it’s crucial we hold @ChuckGrassley accountable for opposing the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act! No one should be suppressing our voices, especially our out of touch senator. #Iowa #IASen