What’s Going On????
SCHOLARSHIPS
Boone County Democrats are again offering scholarships to high school seniors who reside in Boone County. Get the form here: application for scholarship. Forms are due by April 27th.
If you would like to make a donation to the fund: donate here
Caucus Time in January
Enter by the NW doors of the HS. Doors open at 6:30 and you must be inline or fully registered by 7 pm. Because the presidential preference is being held by mail in voting, the entire meeting should last about an hour. Come be part of the change.
Nursing Home Disgrace
NURSING HOME CRISIS
Mary Weaver, Rippey Iowa
The following is a slightly shortend version of a regular column Mary writes for a local newspaper.
I am saddened, as well as shocked by the horror stories erupting statewide about the deplorable, and life taking situations occurring in Iowa nursing homes. In complete transparency regarding this subject, in part of my former work life, I was a surveyor for the Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals. That involved inspections of State Certified Home Care agencies as well as nursing homes.
The long-term care or nursing home survey team consisted of 3-4 persons and the team was usually in a facility for three or four days. Policies were reviewed, charts were audited, comparing orders written to implementation, interviews with residents were conducted, the ombudsman assigned to the facility was visited, staffing ratios for Registered Nurses and Certified Nurses Aids were reviewed using established formulas. Temperature checks of food served were done at mealtime. It took one day for the team to write the report of the findings, usually a Friday, and the following Monday we were sent to the next facility. Facilities were visited once each year, but unannounced, and if a complaint was received regarding a facility, it was immediately visited.
We were not particularly liked by the administrators or the staff, as we were disruptive to the usual routine and activities. As surveyors we observed, remained neutral, and the reports were written in an objective manner. ACCOUNTABILITY WAS PARAMONT. CARING WAS PRACTICED.
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, based on fiscal year 2022 data, found that Iowa ranks 49th in the nation in terms of its ratio of inspectors to care facilities. The report also noted the use of contractors is expensive as well as risky. In 2022, Iowa had 46 state inspectors overseeing 414 nursing homes. Some states with a comparable number of homes had twice that many inspectors on staff. Michigan, for example, had 93 inspectors for 433 homes, and North Carolina had 96 inspectors for 424 homes.
CAPITOL DISPATCH reports the pay range for a registered-nurse inspector working for the state of Iowa is $66,600 to $93,800. But the State of Iowa has paid a private nationwide company, CertiSurv, $33,300 per inspection for each facility with 96 to 174 beds. In addition, the company charged the state $40,950 for a single inspection of any nursing homes with 175 or more beds.
In a recent report issued by the Iowa Health Care Association, IHCA, 387 of the 404 nursing homes in Iowa, or 96% of facilities will fail to meet staffing benchmarks recommended by the federal staffing guidelines.
Four Iowa nursing homes have recently been added by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS, to the federal list of the nation’s worst care facilities. They join six other Iowa care facilities already deemed eligible for inclusion. Typically, all the homes on the special-focus designation have about twice the average number of violations cited by state inspectors; they have more serious problems than most other nursing homes, including harm or injury to residents, and they have established a pattern of serious problems that has persisted over a long period of time.
Westwood Specialty Care of Sioux City was one recently added to this listing. It is owned and managed by Iowa’s largest nursing home chain, the tax-exempt nonprofit of Care Initiatives, based in West Des Moines. According to tax records, CEO Michael Beal collected a total of $608,638 in compensation from Care Initiatives and its affiliates in 2021.
In a study done by CMS reflects a trend towards private equity firms and other large corporate owners purchasing nursing homes and slashing levels of staff as a way to maximize profits.
Sue Dinsdale of the Iowa Citizens Action Network reports, $800 million of Iowa’s taxpayers are going to Medicaid to care for people with disabilities and the elderly. The reimbursement for the services paid for Medicaid patients has now been contracted to private entities by the State of Iowa.
IHCA, CEO Brent Willett states that for every $1 spent to care for an Iowa Medicaid resident, the system currently reimburses providers 80 cents. In simple terms these private contracted companies need to show a profit to their owners, and frequently do not allow the payment, or delay the payment making the facility reapply and make repeated requests for reimbursement.
Under a recent recommendation from the Biden administration the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing a rule to establish a federal floor for staffing levels, so that nursing homeowners could not slash staffing to unsafe levels. If finalized, the proposal would require every facility to have a Registered Nurse on site 24/7, to have a certain minimum number of registered nurses and nurse aides to help provide routine care, and to staff according to resident needs based on an assessment of the facility’s residents.
CMS, in partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has announced a national nursing career pathways campaign. The campaign will help recruit, train, retain, and transition workers into nursing home careers as nursing staff. This plan will invest over $75 million in scholarships and tuition reimbursement. This plan will be implemented during the coming 3-5 years.
But, on November 1st, Governor Reynolds joined with 14 other state Republican Governors to declare the requirements being proposed by the Biden Administration will result in facilities having to close because of the inability to obtain staff.
This is a crisis.
It seems to this writer, the elderly in our society deserve basic human dignity and care in the later years of their lives.
It is time to voice concerns to our State Representatives, Jesse Green, and Phil Thompson.
· Encourage the surplus of 1.83 billion in the State of Iowa to provide
aid to keep long term care facilities open. Work force shortage is more severe in rural Iowa.
· Provide funds for the training of individuals both R.N.’s and Certified Nurses Aids, CNAs, that will result in an increase in the labor force.
· Evaluate the taxpayer funds going to the facility owners to assure dollars are being used to care for residents and not for excess profits to the owners.
· Hold the recently privatized contractors accountable for adequate reimbursement of facilities.
· Accept the requirements and funds being put forth by the Biden administration to improve the care being provided to our elders in Iowa.
VIEW FROM MY WINDOW is written by Mary Weaver, former Registered Nurse, and chair of the Iowa Women’s Democratic Caucus. Mary resides on a farm near Rippey.
Letter From Rita Hart, Chair Iowa Democratic Party
Friends,
I want to say a big thank you to everyone who attended the 2023 Liberty and Justice Celebration this weekend. The L&J is the Iowa Democratic Party’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and we sold out the show with the help of all of you and speakers like Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, Iowa Auditor Rob Sand, Iowa House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst, Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum, Warren County Auditor Kimberly Sheets, Des Moines Public School Board Member Dan Gutmann, and Francesca Turner, DO.
These folks stepped up to tell the story of Iowa Democrats as we work toward a brighter future for our state. We are working tirelessly to restore the right for women to make their own healthcare decisions, to bring parents and teachers together and end the divisiveness Republican leadership has brought to our schools, and build a strong bench of candidates by dedicating more resources to local elections.
Our sold-out event this weekend shows how fired up Democrats are in Iowa, and I can’t wait to continue working with each and every one of you to keep our Party moving in the right direction.
ICYMI: Check out some of the headlines from this weekend’s event:
KCCI: Sen. John Fetterman tells Iowa Democrats not to give up on rural counties
Des Moines Register: Fetterman roasts 2024 GOP candidates as Iowa Democrats rally at fundraiser
WHO13: Fetterman headlines Iowa Democratic Party Annual Fundraiser
We Are Iowa: Iowa Democratic Party Holds 2023 Liberty and Justice Celebration
CNN: Sen. John Fetterman hits the trail in Iowa as he finds his footing again
NPR: Republicans have had most of Iowa’s attention all year. Democrats want to change that
Radio Iowa: Fetterman urges Iowa Democrats to back Biden
The Gazette: John Fetterman advocates for party unity, backing Biden in 2024 at Iowa Democratic Party fundraiser
Yours,
Rita Hart
--
Rita Hart
Iowa Democratic Party Chair
Brown Woodard Keynote Speakers
Senator Pam Jochum
Pam Jochum was elected to the Iowa House in 1992 and the Iowa Senate in 2008. She represents Senate District 36, encompassing the city of Dubuque and portions of Dubuque County.
Senator Jochum serves as Iowa Senate Democratic Leader.
Born and raised in Dubuque, Pam Jochum knows what matters to those who live and work in the area, and is respected for her ability to build coalitions that get things done for Dubuque and Iowa.
Among her many accomplishments, Senator Jochum has played a leading role in expanding affordable health insurance coverage to thousands of working Iowans and has stood up for citizens with disabilities to protect their health services when the Governor privatized Iowa’s Medicaid system. Her support for and commitment to education has been unwavering. She has worked to expand early childhood education and ensure affordable higher education, whether at a state university, a private college or a community college. Her influence is evident throughout Iowa law—from historic reforms in Iowa’s commercial property taxes and revitalizing manufacturing to nationally acclaimed legislation in ethanol production, wind energy, solar energy and flood mitigation programs. Furthermore, through Pam’s persistent work for more than five years, our state now has the Iowa Public Information Board to ensure government transparency and access to public information and records.
Pam learned the value of a hard-day’s work from her parents. She graduated at the top of her class at Wahlert High School and Loras College. She worked as an administrator at Loras College, and also worked at an insurance agency, Legal Aid, and a financial services company before running for public office.
Because of her strong advocacy and efforts to improve the lives of Iowans, Senator Jochum has received honors from the League of Cities, Firefighters Association, child advocacy organizations, Freedom of Information Council, physical therapists, physician assistants, pharmacists, Iowa Hospital Association, Iowa Caregivers, Iowa Health Care Association, League of Women Voters, the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, labor unions, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and many more.
Representative Jennifer Konfrst
Jennifer has lived in Iowa most of her life, and has always considered the Des Moines metro area her home. After living in northern Iowa, then out of state for a short time as a child, she returned to Iowa and went to school in Johnston, where she graduated in 1992.
Senator Pam Jochum
Jennifer met her husband, Lee, while attending Drake University. They’ve lived in the area since their marriage in 1996, with a brief stint in Chicago before coming back home to Iowa. They have two children, Ellie (20) and James (18) and live in Windsor Heights. Lee works at Nationwide in Des Moines and they are members of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Des Moines, Jennifer’s church for more than 30 years. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Drake University, and Lee earned his undergraduate and law degrees there.
Jennifer believes there is nothing more important than being a mom and that’s why she has been an active volunteer in her kids’ education at every step from preschool to high school. She has served as President of the Plymouth Nursery School Board, President of the Downtown School PTA, Mock Trial coach at Merrill Middle School, and was a member of the PTA and a debate team parent volunteer at Roosevelt High School.
Jennifer is currently an Associate Professor in Drake University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Before teaching at Drake, Jennifer spent 12 years in communications leadership at Iowa Public Television (IPTV). While there, she was responsible for strategy and implementation of communications for the network. She also served as the spokesperson for IPTV, on-air host during fundraising drives, and worked on special programs during the Iowa State Fair.
In 2018, Jennifer received the Madeline Levitt Mentor of the Year Award at Drake University. She has also been recognized as a finalist for the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s Inspiring Women of Iowa Courage Award and as Outstanding New Member from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Central Iowa Chapter in 2014, as a member of the Des Moines Business Record’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2010, and as national PBS Communicator of the Year in 2007.
Ryan Melton, IA4 Congressional Candidate
Born in Omaha, Ryan spent parts of his childhood in both Iowa and Nebraska. After graduating from Omaha Central, he was awarded a full scholarship to Iowa State University. He graduated in 2005 with a BS in History and Political Science. While at ISU he served as a journalist for the Iowa State Daily and as president of the ISU Mock Trial team, which made it to two national tournaments. In 2008 he graduated from Kansas University with an MA in US History, focusing on post-reconstruction, civil rights, and environmental history. Ryan has worked for Nationwide for the past 15 years. In the last seven years, he has served in a leadership role managing high-performing teams of insurance professionals.
His passion for the environment and regard for all life have led him to live as a compassionate vegetarian for the past 19 years. While land management, sustainability, water quality, and sanctity of life are key factors in his personal choice to be a vegetarian, he understands that choice is not for everyone.
Being raised by a family of modest means, he understands many of the challenges that face working families. He has helped and supported family members who have dealt with addiction and mental health issues. Ryan was the only person in his immediate family to attend college and graduate, thanks to the support of his family and public school teachers. He and wife Laura are raising Nigel, age 17, and Lincoln, age 4.
He enjoys road trips across the United States, college football, and playing Madden Football. Ryan is also convinced he could be a professional bowler with enough practice. Laura is not convinced.
Voter’s Guide
Below is a list of all the candidates for Boone County school board and city elections. Candidates highlighted in blue are listed as registered Democrats and/or support Demcratic values. Red highlighted names are either registered Republicans or do not support our values. No highlighting means they are either independent or no information could be found. Please vote, either in person or go to the polls next Tuesday. These elections matter.
Brown Woodard Dinner
A Night of Great Food, Friends, and Inspiring Leaders
and a Silent Auction
Are you exhausted by the constant political drama from the Republican party? Are you tired of Iowa being treated as a dumping ground for all sorts of manure? The rural values we cherish are being destroyed and our public education system is in peril. The rights of vulnerable groups are under threat and workers are sorely underpaid.
However, you have the power to change this course.
We cordially invite you to join us on November 11th at 5 pm at the Leonard Good Community Center in Ogden. This annual event is an opportunity to get inspired, raise funds, and support Democratic candidates. You'll be moved by the Volunteer of the Year, and the event promises to be an exciting one. Bring a young person and inspire them to make a difference. Let's work together to spread the message and elect Democrats.
Experience Great Food and Friends
Experience a delightful evening of gourmet food and lively company at the Brown Woodard Dinner. Savor the delicious homemade lasagna, crisp salads, freshly-baked bread, and delectable desserts. Additionally, a variety of beverages will be available to complement your meal and enhance your overall dining experience. Reconnect with old friends, make new acquaintances, and create unforgettable memories filled with laughter and joy. Get your tickets NOW: BW tickets
Inspiring Leaders
The upcoming event is more than just a gathering of friends and food; it's an opportunity to hear from inspiring leaders. The lineup includes Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, Sen. Pam Jochum, and IA4 candidate Ryan Melton, who are actively working towards a better future by combatting Republican chaos. Attendees can expect to hear these leaders speak about their experiences, visions, and strategies for creating positive change. Get your tickets in advance, or at the door, BW 2023
BW Award and Silent Auction
One of the highlights of the evening is the BW Award, where we give a round of applause to the amazing soul who's been a driving force in moving the Boone County Democrats forward. The selfless dedication, tireless efforts, and indomitable spirit of this individual will be recognized and celebrated.
Additionally, brace yourself for an epic silent auction. The silent auction is an opportunity for you to bid on and possibly take home some unique and valuable items. All the proceedings from the silent auction will go towards supporting the cause. And guess what? It's all happening online, so you can participate from the comfort of your own home! Brown Woodard Auction
Donations For Auction and Helping with Event
Would you be interested in contributing to our online silent auction? We welcome your donations, be it your favorite cookies, a pie, or any other homemade creation. Alternatively, you can offer a coupon from a local business. No matter the size of your donation, we are grateful for your support. Kindly reach out to us at info@boonecountydem.com with a photo of the item and an estimated value. Additionally, please provide your address for reporting purposes.
Are you interested in volunteering for the event or donating food items? We have a sign-up sheet available! By joining the Brown Woodard Dinner team, you can help us in making this event a resounding success. Your contribution can make a significant difference. Brown Woodard Sign Up
Progressive Rural Optimists
PRO Iowa 24 - A Collaboration
Organizing To Recruit, Support and Elect New Leaders
in IOWA House District 47, 48 & Senate District 24
Founding Members:
Boone County: Penny Vossler, Mary Weaver
Dallas County: Monica Peitz - Story County: Barb Wheelock
Greene County: John Brunow, Chris Henning, Tori Riley
Guthrie County: Kathy Miller, Karen Riley-Sievers
Dear Friends:
Do actions of the regressive Republican-led 2023 legislative session make you wonder what’s happened to OUR Iowa, the Iowa we want our children and grandchildren to live in and call their own?
Are you concerned by the ways the party of “limited government” and few regulations has inserted its tentacles into Iowa’s communities and the private lives of Iowans?
We’re worried, and we’re ready to act. PRO Iowa 24, a Political Action Committee of progressive voters in Iowa’s 24th Senate District, is building a financial base for candidates who will challenge regressive Republicans in Senate District 24 and House Districts 47 and 48 in the 2024 election.
We are called to action by bills sent during the 2023 legislative session to Republican Governor Kim Reynolds for her signature; all were passed by the majority Republican House and Senate.
Jesse Green, Phil Thompson and Carter Nordman voted for these BAD bills - several of which may be unconstitutional or even illegal!
This BAD legislation will -
- Divert millions of public dollars from the more than 500,000 public school students to fund private schools - primarily faith-based schools;
- Jeopardize the future of public education in Iowa by inserting a regressive vision of what’s best for children into school curriculums, further diminishing the stature and respect for the teaching profession and the ability of school districts to recruit and retain high quality professionals. The Republican curriculum limits the exposure of Iowa’s children to a complete range of American studies and sociology, harming their ability to appreciate and embrace diversity and to make informed decisions in their adulthood;
- Threaten the health and safety and erode the civil rights of LGBTQ+ students and families by prohibiting school staff from creating a safe and accepting atmosphere for gender-questioning students, by taking away the ability of parents to select and obtain gender-affirming healthcare for their children, and by disallowing classroom discussion of families with two mothers or two fathers;
- Endanger Iowa’s teenagers by loosening regulations for under-age employment, including allowing teens to work later hours on school nights and to serve alcoholic beverages, diminishing the importance of their secondary education and potentially placing them in dangerous situations;
- Fail to provide adequate funding to protect and maintain our natural resources, provide clean water and good air quality, and address the detrimental effects of climate change on all sectors of our economy; and
- Decrease local control of our county government .... our voting …. gun control …. On and on …
We could write more, but really, we’ve had enough! We need leaders voting for legislation that will actually help ALL Iowans. That’s not what we saw from these regressive R’s this session!
We simply MUST replace Jesse Green (S24), Phil Thompson (HD48) and Carter Nordman (HD47) in 2024. We can do it, but only with your help –
Can we count on you to donate $20 today through our secure PRO Iowa 24 ACT BLUE account?
Or, by sending a check payable to PRO Iowa 24, mailed to
PRO Iowa 24, Monica Peitz, Treasurer
Post Office Box 502, Perry, IA 50220
Or, Save your stamps and your time! A monthly contribution would be fast, easy, and get us underway so our candidates are READY TO RUN and WIN. Monthly contributions of any amount can be made at our secure PRO Iowa 24 ACT BLUE secure link:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/pro-iowa-24-1
HELP US aggressively challenge three of Governor Reynolds’ surest party line votes! It takes only a single large check or large Act Blue donation (or moderate monthly one) to be the seeds of change.
Thank you for your generosity!
paid for by
PRO Iowa 24 - A Collaboration
Organizing To Recruit, Support and Elect New Leaders
in IOWA House District 47, 48 & Senate District 24
PRO.Iowa@Iowa24.org
Treasurer: Monica Peitz,
PO Box 502, Perry, IA 50220
Run For Your Local School Board
Right wing Christian Nationalists/MAGA’s are trying to take over the school boards. YOU can make a difference by running. Public education depends on people like YOU.
School Board Elections
ELIGIBLE anyone 18 or older, who has the right to vote, has no felony convictions
FILING
August 28, 1st day of filing
September, 21 last day of filing
Nomination forms on Secretary of State web site, or local School Board Secretary
SIGNATURES
Must include home address and listing of school district
Less than 1000 students, must obtain 10 signatures
More than 1000 students, 1 % of voters or 50 signatures
VOTING
November 7, 7 AM thru 8 PM
TERM
4-year terms
Voluntary service
SIX TIPS FOR CAMPAIGNING IASB recommends the following tips for all school board candidates as they campaign for election:
1. Attend school board meetings. Watching the current board in action will help you begin to understand the practicalities of school board operations and learn more about issues in your district or community college. Board agendas and virtually all materials before the board are public documents; reviewing them can build your understanding.
2. Ask questions. The superintendent or community college president, board secretary or community college secretary, business manager and current board members can help you understand district issues.
3. Be proactive in helping the community understand your views. Help citizens understand what you stand for by speaking at candidate forums, talking with reporters, stating your views in campaign materials, and using other forums.
4. Carefully consider your campaign promises. As an individual, a board member has no authority. It’s only when a majority of the board takes action through a vote that the board’s authority is exercised.
5. When campaigning for the board, state your position on issues but avoid making promises that you alone cannot keep.
6. Encourage voter participation. Strong voter turnout is more than a grassroots campaign strategy. Voter participation in school board elections helps engage citizens and creates a strong bond between the public and their public schools.
Resource 2023 School Board Elections - IASB
Democrat’s Speak Out for Women
Boone County Democrats, along with hundreds of other Iowans, showed up in mass at the state capitol Tuesday to protest the egregious bill rammed through by the Republicans. We knew the outcome was a foregone conclusion, but women and men showed up and fought valiantly to prevent this bill from becoming law. Our own legislators, Phil Thompson and Jesse Green, stated they would vote yes before they even drove to the capitol.
We know this bill will harm Iowa girls and women in so many ways, from directly prohibiting needed health care to violations of religious freedom.
Iowa Interfaith Alliance posted this on July 10th:
Religious freedom means every person has the right to their own religious beliefs but can never misuse religion to infringe on the rights of others.
Many Iowans of faith believe in the right to access safe and legal abortion because of their faith.
One religious belief should never be inserted into public policy and allowed to take away anyone else’s rights.
The right to an abortion is supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans, including Iowans.
* 61% of Iowans – including Republicans, Democrats, and Independents –
support access to safe and legal abortion.Abortion is overwhelmingly safe.
Abortion is common. One in four women who are able to get pregnant will have an abortion at some point.
Abortion is essential health care, a constitutional right, and a human right.
Abortion remains safe and legal in Iowa – for now. But it’s hanging by a thread and politicians in power are working hard to take away our rights for their political gain.
Any ban or restriction on abortion is harmful and takes away Iowans’ abilities to control their body and future.
No one else can know a person’s situation – their health, wellbeing, risks, and future. Abortion is a deeply personal decision. Every person deserves the right to control their reproductive health, and their future. Politicians should not put themselves in the middle of Iowans’ health care or their decisions.
Never before has a governor called a special session to advance a political agenda. A ban on the rights of Iowans is all about politics.
Calling a special session in the middle of summer for the sole purpose of stripping Iowans of the liberties they prize is not only unprecedented but shows the drastic lengths power-hungry politicians will take to pass deeply unpopular policies.
Iowans are raising their voices and holding their elected officials accountable for every vote they take to limit our rights and bodily autonomy. Regardless of our personal beliefs, we can all agree Iowans deserve the right to control their futures and access reproductive health care.
Want to make a difference and help make this state a place where we feel safe and healthy and where people are respected? Show up and march with us, help register voters, speak out on issues, and run for office: school board, soil and water, and all the other non partisan races. That is where you will learn what you need to know and be prepared to run for higher office.
Republicans operate on the presumption they are right; we often fall into despair. What is needed is to practice hope, which is to keep working for what IS right and just regardless.
Join us at the Boone County Fair parade next Thursday, 5 pm meet at the high school.
And donate!!
Picnic For The People
The BCD met under the Herman Park Bandshell on June 8th. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed food from the Lucky Pig in Ogden, had a chance to catch up with one another and heard from several speakers, including State Senator Claire Celsi from WDM and the IDP’s new finance chief Kevin Sobkoviak. Claire talked about the horrible legislative session and our need to increase voters and visibility. Kevin said that, with no Democratic presidential contest, we need to keep as much of our financial resources in the state as possible. Donate to the BCD and the IDP!
We also heard from one of our scholarship winners, Hannah Chesnut, who is excited to be attending ISU starting this fall.
Be sure to come to the next CC meeting, to be held at the Boone History Center on June 20th, 6:30 pm
More Tomatoes!
For the third year, the BCD has given away patio tomato plants, each with its own grow bag, to elementary age kids in Boone County. Thanks all those who gave of their time and resources to put these together and distribute at the libraries.
We hope to continue the program next year, with additional help from the libraries.
We Love Our Teachers
Thanks to Susan Zeigler and Charlie Johnson, teachers and staff in Boone County public schools were given some much-deserved recognition and appreciation. Thank you to all our teachers and staff. Let’s work for teachers and students!
This year certainly was one of the worst on records for damage done to public schools and pressure put on teachers. From vouchers to book bans to outing students, the state has hit a new low. Show teachers you care and work to change laws to return Iowa education to #1 in the nation.
Auction Time
Help us raise funds to support candidates and issues. Bid on items between now and the evening of June 8th. Pick up your items at the picnic after you have enjoyed the food and the speakers.
Scholarship Winners
The Boone County Democrats presented two Boone High School seniors with our 2023 scholarships.
Hannah Chesnut, besides her academic achievements and passion for volleyball, has been very active with Special Olympics and in working with kids. She plans on attending ISU with emphasis on Kinesiology and Food Science.
Jacie-Aspen Flockhart has been active with 4H and FFA, is an accomplished diver and figure skater, as well as a skilled dog trainer. She plans to continue her volunteer work as she heads to college.
BCD helps Impact
The Boone County Democrats recently donated funds to IMPACT of Boone County, which serves all residents of the county with food distribution and other necessities.
Sadly, the need is ever greater as the state declines federal dollars and is working to make it more difficult to get SNAP benefits.
Iowa could raise its minimum wage, offer free breakfast and lunch to all students, and work to improve affordable childcare.
Help us work to end hunger in Iowa.
Iowa is Sinking; Let’s Raise It Up
Schools in Need
After asking multiple school districts in Boone County about their needs, the BCD went into action and $925, which was matched for a total of $1850 to be distributed to the major public school districts in the county. In addition, supplies were collected and distributed. We were told again and again how budget cuts had left them with an impossible task of meeting student needs. Some of the biggest concerns: kids coming to school hungry because there was not sufficient food at home, girls not having menstrual supplies; lack of dental hygiene products; and lack of school supplies. They asked for breakfast bars and menstrual pads!!
Funding for schools has not kept pace with inflation. While the total dollar amount for public schools sounds like a lot, it is not!! Each year schools have less and less to work with. (1) This year the school voucher bill passed, which will quickly divert even more funds away from public schools and likely not benefitting low income or students with special needs, who would still be unable to afford or possibly be accepted to a private school. (2)
What if we fully funded our public schools? What if we provided free breakfast and lunches for all students? What if we placed a higher income tax on the wealthy and reduced that of low- and middle-income Iowans, who now pay the lion’s share of the cost of running the state.
1 https://www.bleedingheartland.com/2022/02/16/iowa-republicans-continue-to-underfund-public-schools/
Cold and Hungry
Help Boone County school kids this winter
The students in public schools in Boone County have needs that are often hidden. The governor opted out of federal help that was providing meals and many now come to school hungry, with no food at home to feed them breakfast. The often do not have clothes suitable for cold weather and many lack items to help them keep clean and take care of themselves. Girls lack supplies for menstruation. The schools need basic educational supplies like pencils! With state aid that has been less than the rate of inflation, schools are scrambling to fill in the gaps.
You can help! Between now and December 16th the BCD will be collecting money and items to deliver to schools in Boone County.
We will be accepting the following items:
Drop off donated items before 6 PM at 338 SW 2nd, Ogden or 313 5th St, Boone
OR
Mail check to BCD, PO Box 535, Boone 50036 - enter "school fund" in the byline
OR
Donate online at: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mitts#
cash donations will be matched 100% up to $1,500. Fundraiser ends December 17th.
Scan to donate
Republican LIES
A Letter To the Republican Party of Iowa:
What were you thinking? I received a mailer this week labeling me Liberal (which is not quite the insult you think it is) and containing ridiculous lies – the same lies being told about many Democrat candidates across the nation – and vague statements with no details. I support new voting laws which open Iowa elections up to fraud? What are these laws and in what way do the open our elections up to fraud? Taking a perfectly acceptable picture of me and darkening it in an attempt to make me appear scary, and following with inaccurate, vague, fact-free statements in attempt to scare voters is petty and desperate. Apparently you have a playbook without integrity. You might think this is ‘business as usual’ but it isn’t acceptable in the world of real people like me. I’m taking it personally and I want an apology and a retraction.
The first statement on the flyer, “Penny Vossler supports teaching kids as young as five Critical Race Theory”, is nothing short of moronic. I didn’t know what Critical Race Theory was when I first heard the term in the last year or two, so I googled it. I discovered that it is a college course taught in law school. I’ve seen some bright 5-year-olds in my years as a teacher, but not once have I suggested one was ready for law school. At the risk of being repetitive – moronic.
I understand why you would make up positions for me. Using my actual positions wouldn’t do your candidate (the one you do not name or promote in the flyer) any favors as most people in Iowa agree with my stances.
· Women and their doctors can be trusted to make healthcare decisions without your intervention. Check.
· Our voting system has been secure and well-managed and was not improved in any way by shortening the timeframe for voting. Check. You’ve only made it less convenient which, I might point out, should not be in the job description of a legislator.
· Funding our schools with increases below the rate of inflation (as you have done for many years) is causing schools to close and those that remain open to struggle to provide the quality education our children deserve. Check. Give the kids a fighting chance!
Each of these actual positions that I hold are what sets me apart from your candidate. Again, I understand why you didn’t want to use the truth. And I don’t know who wrote the piece of garbage I received, but I do know who paid to print and distribute it. Thus my letter to you, Republican Party of Iowa. I’ll be waiting for that apology.
With utmost sincerity,
Penny Vossler, Candidate Iowa HD 48