Removal Vote On Mayor Of Muscatine Thursday Morning

Posted on March 19, 2017 by Dave Bradley

Muscatine City Council with Mayor Broderson

The somewhat mysterious process that the Muscatine City Council has used in their proceedings against Muscatine Mayor Diana Broderson will become much clearer Thursday morning when a removal hearing will be held at City Hall at 8AM.

As far as I can tell the meeting is open to the public.

The attempts to remove Mayor Broderson have been reported across the country. There have been undertones of sexism and of highly partisan politics for those of us viewing it from outside of the city. Removal of mayors is not a common process in this country.

Perhaps the best in depth story on this situation comes from the Voice of Muscatine blog from last month.

Since the council has been united in this process, one can probably expect a vote for removal to be a foregone conclusion. I have no idea what action may be taken after that, if any.

Posted in Blog for Iowa | Tagged , | Comments Off on Removal Vote On Mayor Of Muscatine Thursday Morning

Sunday Funday: Basketball Sunday Edition

Posted on March 19, 2017 by Dave Bradley

A man who could pick the winners!

Please do not disturb the lump on the couch. That is me. I have not had much chance to watch my favorite sport this year{ college basketball. Today is my day. If disturbed I may react strangely. I may break down in loud sobs asking some deity “Why, Why, Why????” So please approach with caution.

It is still women’s history month and so we will work in a couple of good questions on women along with many on the continuing strange saga of the world and the US of today.

Were you paying attention?

1) “We can’t restore our civilization with somebody else’s babies.” Who made this statement in a tweet last week?

2) In response to the above tweet white supremacist leader David Duke stated “sanity reigns supreme” where?

3) Who was the female Speaker of the US House of Representatives?

4) Which of Iowa’s senators claimed “little faith” in CBO estimates for the number that would become uninsured under the Republican replacement for the ACA?

5) Approximately how many did the CBO say would lose insurance in a decade under the Republican replacement?

6) Due to the Brexit vote, what part of Great Britain is renewing calls for a referendum on independence?

7) In a much anticipated vote in the Netherlands Tuesday what favored white nationalist candidate came in a distant 2nd?

8) The administration’s proposed budget will eliminate what popular and necessary program that helps sustain seniors?

9) What major cable news program broke the big story of having received a copy of the current president’s taxes in the mail?

10) Who did they speculate may have sent them the Trump tax return?

11) A state senator from what state was caught engaging in sex with an underage boy?

12) The new Secretary of State said that it may be necessary to take “pre-emptive military action” against what other country?

13) Who was the first woman in space?

14) The Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) from what country have cancelled all trips to the US due to the fear of problems at entry and exit?

15) Two former administrators from what university pled guilty to mishandling sexual abuse reports in the Jerry Sandusky probe?

16) What oldest golf club in the world voted to admit women to avoid being dropped from the rotation for the British open?

17) “Bombogenesis” is the term used to describe the coming together of what recent storm?

18) Who was the first woman to run for vice-president on a major party ticket?

19) The administration’s proposed budget also eliminates funds to what parent entity of Big Bird’s network?

20) What woman was the first to run for president on a major party ticket?

Today’s nugget of wisdom comes from Upton Sinclair “It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it!”

Answers:

1) Iowa’s own Steve King

2) In Steve King’s district!

3) Nancy Pelosi

4) Grassley

5) 24 million

6) Scotland

7) Geert Wilders

8) Meals on Wheels

9) Rachel Maddow

10) Donald Trump himself

11) Oklahoma

12) North Korea.

13) Valentina Tereshkova in 1963 – believe she just turned 80

14) Canada

15) Penn State

16) Muirfield

17) the blizzard that hit the northeast US Tuesday and Wednesday

18) Geraldine Ferraro in 1984

19) Corporation for Public Broadcasting. One way or another CPB will probably be cut

20) if you missed this hang your head – Hillary Clinton.

Time to catch some games!

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At Least One Iowa Congress Member Cares

Posted on March 18, 2017 by Dave Bradley

about Iowans and making health care actually available.



Once more – Thank You Congressman Loebsack, for fighting for Iowa and Iowans!

Posted in David Loebsack, Health Care & Medicare | Tagged | Comments Off on At Least One Iowa Congress Member Cares

Repairing What Republicans Break May Be Impossible

Posted on March 18, 2017 by Dave Bradley

“Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you’ve got
Til it’s gone
They pave paradise and put up a parking lot”
Joni Mitchell “Big Yellow Taxi”

Who knows what people who voted Republican in the last election were thinking. One thing I doubt they were thinking about was how to repair the systems that the radical Republicans who are now in charge at all levels will destroy.

Maybe those voters sent out a protest vote to let other Americans know that they ‘weren’t going to take it anymore.” What they most likely were thinking was that Republicans were going to stand against progress made by immigrants and minorities. What they didn’t realize was that they what they got in the bargain was a party hell-bent on destroying much of the progress that had been achieved for ALL Americans in the past century.

That would include a litany of progressive programs that many Republican voters are now watching circle the drain. As they see the radical congress and state legislature take the hatchet to things like education, social security, the ACA, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, workman’s compensation not to mention many things that are integral to the commons such as environmental protection, national parks, research of all varieties, weather forecasting and data gathering just to name a few. Now it appears even “Meals on Wheels” that many seniors depend on to survive is on the chopping block.

All for tax cuts for the rich.

Once these programs are destroyed or radically altered restoring them to their former functionality will not be as simple as electing members from the opposition party and then expecting them to put things right back the way they were. No, once broken it will take decades to restore things if it is even possible.

We have the recent example of the major recession, near worldwide depression caused by fiscal mismanagement by the Republican Party. Conventional wisdom would make a person think that restoring the economy to it’s previous state and providing safeguards to keep us from being driven into such a situation again should have been the number one priority of both parties.

Yet following the Republican recession of 2008, Republicans let it be known that they were vested in keeping the economy as sluggish as they could through their opposition to any and all efforts of Democrats and the Obama Administration to enact programs to address problems that many Americans were facing.

Even during the Great Depression – also brought on by Republican policies – Republicans in congress opposed most everything that the FDR Administration attempted to pull the country out of the Depression.

If Republicans respond to the clear and present crises of severe Recessions and Depressions with obstruction tactics created out of thin air, what would make a person think that they would do anything but obstruct the restoration of anything resembling that which they worked so hard to destroy?

Republicans have worked hard for over eight decades to tear down the New Deal. They have spent the nearly four decades since Ronald Reagan not only working to chip away at anything that helped common Americans, but at the same time undermining the very foundation of our democracy – the faith in our government and ourselves.

As we watch the administration and congress in Washington and the legislature in Des Moines take proverbial sledge hammers to what has taken decades to build, remember that is it much easier to destroy a life’s work than it is to build it. Once this is gone it will most likely never be restored unless resistance is tong and unflinching before it is torn down.

“And all the king’s horses
And all the king’s men
Could not put Humpty-Dumpty
Back together again.”1

Posted in Economy, Education, Iowa legislature 2017, Republican Obstruction, Republicn Policy | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Repairing What Republicans Break May Be Impossible

IPP And Senator Dvorsky On The Budget Shortfall

Posted on March 18, 2017 by Dave Bradley

Last Monday Mike Owen the Executive Director of the Iowa Policy Project and Research Director Peter Fisher gave a presentation at the Moral Monday meeting March 13th.

This video is about 40 minutes long. It is all very self-explanatory except for the reference to “REC” in the beginning. REC in this instance means “Revenue Estimating Commission” I believe. This is the second estimation that predicted a major shortfall in revenue. You may recall the first one resulted in across the board cuts.

IPP and its partner http://www.iowafiscal.org/ have been discussing this possibility for years.

When the news out of Des Moines doesn’t seem to add up despite the assertions of Republican politicians, the Iowa Policy Project is the place to turn to for analysis that breaks through the crap and tells the truth.

Times should be far from disastrous right now. As Barack Obama left office he left behind a robust economy. When states like Iowa and Kansas are having fiscal problems in good general economies most likely the wounds are self inflicted.

Senator Dvorsky

In his weekly newsletter Senator Bob Dvorsky had this observation on the budget shortfall:

IOWA HAS A REVENUE PROBLEM THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED

Iowa has a revenue problem that must be addressed. The latest evidence came this week when Iowa’s Revenue Estimating Conference, a panel of nonpartisan budget experts, met to assess state revenues and expenses. They reported that Iowa has a shortfall of $131 million this fiscal year, which ends June 30; and less growth than expected for the fiscal year that starts on July 1.

This announcement comes on the heels of prior midyear budget cuts totaling nearly $118 million. To address the last shortfall, legislative Republicans pushed through a massive de-appropriation that hurt our regent’s institutions and community colleges by stripping them of $20 million. That cut also took millions out of the Department of Corrections, the Department of Public Safety and the Judicial Branch, which has a direct impact on safety for all Iowans. Fortunately, the decision has been made to use the “rainy day fund” for the current shortfall — a reserve that the state has for situations just like this budget shortfall and the last one.

With budget shortfalls like these, it is time we work in a bipartisan fashion to realign our budget with what is good for Iowa. In 2018 alone, the State of Iowa is projected to give out almost $70 million to major corporations via one tax credit, the Research Activities Credit or RAC. That is money that could be used to benefit all Iowans, not just large corporations. Senate Democrats stand ready to work with legislative Republicans and the Branstad-Reynolds Administration to restore fiscal stability to our state budget by investing in local schools and job-creation initiatives, and re-examining out-of-control spending on tax credits.

We must make commonsense decisions that balance the state budget and grow Iowa’s economy.

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Friday Forums: Attend One Of These Events Today

Posted on March 17, 2017 by Trish Nelson

Note: Joni Ernst will be in Cedar Rapids at noon today and Des Moines at 5:00. See below for details.

ACKLEY

Friday Mach 17   9 AM

Ackley Public Library  401 State St.

ALDEN

Friday March 17, 1 PM

Alden Public Library  1012 Water St.

BETTENDORF

Friday March 17 –   9 AM

Devils Glen Hy-Vee  2900 Devils Glen Road

Every Friday 9AM at the Happy Joe’s ,2430 Spruce Hill Drive, Bettendorf, IA

BRITT

Friday March 17 – 1:15 PM

Britt City Hall,  170 Main St. South

CEDAR RAPIDS

Friday March 17: Noon – With Senator Ernst

Coe College – Sinclair Auditorium 1220  1st Ave NE

CRYSTAL LAKE

Friday March 17, 2:45 PM

Crystal Lake Library, 120 5th St.

DAVENPORT

Friday March 17, 9:30 AM

Greatest Grains, 1600 North Harrison St.

DES MOINES

Friday March 17 – 5 PM WIth Senator Ernst

Drake University – Sheslow Auditorium, 2507 University Ave

ELLSWORTH

Friday March 17  11:30 AM

Ellsworth Community College, Equine Center, 707 Ellsworth Ave

FORT MADISON

Friday March 17- Noon.

Palms Supper Club, 4920 Ave O, Fort Madison

GARNER

Friday March 17 – 9 AM

Garner Library 416 State St.

KANAWHA

Friday March 17 –   11 AM

Kanawha Fire Station 104 South Main

SHELDON

Friday March 17,  Noon

Pizza Ranch 104  North Runger Ave.

STEAMBOAT ROCK

Friday March 17  10:15 AM

Steamboat RIck Public Library, 511 West Market St.

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Taking Action 101: Progressive Action For The Common Good Workshop

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Trish Nelson

SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2017
1:30-400 pm

Doors open at 12:30 pm for networking

Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 25, 4600 46th Ave., Rock Island, IL

Materials fee: $10.00 Adults/$5.00 Seniors and students/ Waived for volunteers*

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

OR CALL PACG AT 563-676-7580  (ask for Ann)

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Don’t miss this opportunity to:

  • Obtain your own action packed toolkit filled with hundreds of easy to follow tips and resources.
  • Separate fact from fiction on issues that could have a direct impact on you, or someone/’something you care about.
  • Get answers to your most pressing questions so you can make informed decisions.
  • Make connections with other like-minded individuals and groups committed to making this world a better place.
  • Develop your own personal action plan, and ways to get the latest scoop on issues and actions in your area.

*Volunteers must commit at least one hour to PACG or another participating group. Please call 563-676-7580 for details.

 

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What Is Going On In The Iowa Legislature?

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Trish Nelson

Senator Bolkcom’s comment is part of a discussion following a constituent question. “Who wants school vouchers?” at the Johnson County legislative forum February 25, 2017.

 

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Loebsack Slams GOP Repeal of The Affordable Care Act

Posted on March 14, 2017 by Trish Nelson

“This legislation will rip quality health care from Iowans..covering fewer people at higher cost.”

Posted in David Loebsack, Health Care & Medicare, Obamacare | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Senator Hogg: Keep Speaking Up! Events In Sioux City, Fort Dodge, Indianola, Davenport

Posted on March 13, 2017 by Trish Nelson

Rob Hogg

This week’s action alert from Rob Hogg.

This is to let you know about four upcoming events in Sioux City, Fort Dodge, Indianola, and Davenport (see below), but I want to start by asking you to continue to speak up with Republican legislators in Iowa to oppose their damaging and dangerous proposals that hurt workers and our economy, hurt students and our schools, hurt patients and our health care, and really hurt all Iowans and our future.

With your help, we can stop at least some of these proposals in this legislative session, and then take back the majority in 2018 to focus on better jobs, great schools, vibrant communities, access to health care, protecting our natural resources, and fiscal responsibility.

Speak Up For Iowans to Stop The “Dirty Dozen”

The Iowa Senate debate calendar for Monday, March 13, includes two of the “dirty dozen” – bills to circumvent the “Buy American” requirements on road projects (SF184/HF203) and to gut Iowa’s workers compensation system for work-related injuries and disabilities (SF435/HF518).  Please contact Republican Senators today and urge them to support Iowa’s workers and vote no on these bills. For contact information for Iowa’s Senators, please visit www.legis.iowa.gov.

We expect other damaging and dangerous bills to come up, perhaps as early as this week.  Here are the rest of the “dirty dozen”:

1. Prohibit Local “Pre-Qualification” for Bidding (SF438) – passed Iowa Senate, now in Iowa House

2. Lower Local Minimum Wages (HF295) – passed Iowa House, now in Iowa Senate

3. Government Barriers to Voting (HF516) – passed Iowa House, now in Iowa Senate

4. Make Planned Parenthood Ineligible for Medicaid Reimbursement (SF2) – passed Iowa Senate, now in Iowa House

5. Create Religious Exemptions for Boarding School Regulations (SF443) – still in Iowa Senate

6. Eliminate Permits to Acquire Firearms, Other Firearm Changes (HF517) – passed Iowa House, now in Iowa Senate

7. Unfunded Mandate on Local Officials to Enforce Immigration Laws (SF481) – still in Iowa Senate

8. End Bottle and Can Deposit Law (HF575) – still in Iowa House

9. Take Away Local Control Of Water Supply (HF484/SF456) – Has not passed either chamber

10. Restrict Right To Bring Nuisance Lawsuit (HF468/SF447) – Has not passed either chamber

If you keep speaking up, we will be able to stop some or all of these bills.

Upcoming Events

Here are four events over the course of the rest of the month where I will be working to reach out, listen, educate, organize, and unite Iowans as we come back to take back the majority in 2018.

Sioux City, Friday, March 17

The Woodbury County Democrats are hosting a “meet and greet” with me before the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Friday, March 17, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Jackson Street Brewery, 607 5th Street, in Sioux City.  The parade starts at 6:30 p.m.  For more information, or to invite your friends, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/events/684838421690264/

Fort Dodge, Saturday, March 18

I will be joining the Webster County Democrats for their off-year caucus on Saturday, March 18, starting at 10 a.m. at the Noon Lions Den, 731 Exposition Drive, in Fort Dodge. I plan to be there early to visit, so please join me, especially if you live in Calhoun, Pocahontas, Humboldt, and Webster Counties. For more information, or to invite your friends, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/events/122830311578476/

Indianola, Thursday, March 23

I will be joining State Rep. Scott Ourth for a town hall meeting on Thursday, March 23, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Greater Iowa Credit Union, 301 E. Scenic Valley Avenue, in Indianola. For more information, or to invite your friends, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1916029328629981/

Davenport, Saturday, March 25

The Scott County Democrats are hosting their annual “Red, White & Blue” dinner on Saturday, March 25, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person.  It will be held at the Starlight Ballroom, 2815 W. Locust St., in Davenport.  I will be there, and hope you can join me.  For more information, or to invite your friends, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/events/695202403993843/

As always, I hope this information is helpful.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions.  You can reach me at rob.hogg@legis.iowa.gov for legislative matters, and at senatorrobhogg@gmail.com for political or campaign matters.

Keep speaking up.

Rob

Senator Rob Hogg, Senate Democratic Leader
Cedar Rapids

Posted in Iowa legislature 2017 | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Senator Hogg: Keep Speaking Up! Events In Sioux City, Fort Dodge, Indianola, Davenport