March Update
February Update
January Update
December Update
November Update
2017 Candidate's Forum
ALERT
Forum for Municipal Candidates
October 10, 2017
7:00 pm
Muscatine City Hall
Mayor: Diana Broderson, Charlie Harper
2nd Ward: Oz Malcolm, Michael Rehwaldt
4th Ward: Nadine Brockert, Vance Crumly, Brian Freitag and Larry Murray
At-large: Kelsey Brackett, Kerry Denison, and Scott Natvig
October Update
Muscatine Mayor and City Council Forum
October 10, 2017
7:00 pm
Muscatine City Hall
Mayor: Diana Broderson, Charlie Harper
2nd Ward: Oz Malcolm, Michael Rehwaldt
4th Ward: Nadine Brockert, Vance Crumly, Brian Freitag and Larry Murray
At-large: Kelsey Brackett, Kerry Denison, and Scott Natvig
United Nations Day
October 24, 2017
7:00 pm
Muscatine Community College, Student Center
MCC has been approved as a site to hold a webinar with former
UN Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice, who also served on the National Security Council.
Also speaking will be I. Allan Barber, President of Denver-Hainan Corporation. Mr. Barber began working with Chinese executives and officials in 1987, assisting with the development of Hainan Island, a new Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Done
Thanks to all members who helped with the school board candidates’ forum. We put our newest member, Nora Dwyer, to work timing while Debbie Paulson, Mel Steckel, and Paula Stover worked the crowd.
National Voter Registration Day. Thanks to Ann and Paul Mayes who registered voters at MHS and Jean Clark who went to MCC.
GROW WITH LWVIA
I attended the September meeting of Iowa League Leaders in Marshalltown. Discussions centered on new rules for voter registration in Iowa. GROW means to grow in all areas, membership, leadership, focus, outreach, funding, engagement, and sustainability.
LWVIA is not joining a lawsuit against the Secretary of State because a partisan SuperPAC, Foundation for Priorities USA, funds the litigator. Some of the attorneys and firms coordinating voting rights lawsuits have strong connections to the Democratic Party and SuperPACs, including Priorities USA. While the League supports the core issues of the lawsuits, we open ourselves up to criticism and put our nonpartisan reputation on the line if we allow SuperPACs to fund our lawsuits and political operatives to represent us.
I learned that one league offers prorated dues/membership based on age:
Student $5
Under 39 $20
Under 55 $40
What do you think of that!?
I also learned that there are people in West Branch who are interested in starting a League. This is so exciting! I am hoping that our League and reach out to them and help them GROW!
--Sue
The trees we planted in memory of Catherine Miller and Betty Smith are growing at the arboretum!
September Update
MEMBER UPDATE
September 2017
Voter Service
Another season of voter service begins! On August 31, our League hosted a forum for school board candidates. The number of candidates was bigger, five candidates for three seats, and the audience at City Hall was bigger. I am grateful for both. Thanks to all who step up to throw their hats in the ring, and thanks to all who take time to learn about the candidates and make an informed choice. The candidates are Chris Anderson, Tim Bower, Tammi Drawbaugh, Beverly Gerdts, and Toby McCarter. You can read the Journal’s piece , watch the video on the Muscatine Access You Tube Channel ,or cable #2/702 on Friday-Sunday at 10am, 1:00 and 4:00 pm.
Thanks to Nora Dwyer for timing, Mel Steckel and Debbie Paulson for collecting questions from the audience, and Paula Stover and Jean Clark for support.
National Voter Registration Day
Our League volunteers will be available to register voters as part of the National Voter Registration Day, September 26, 2017. Jean Clark will go to Muscatine Community College while Ann and Paul Mayes will go to Muscatine High School. We hope to increase the number of registered voters in Muscatine County.
Muscatine Mayor/City Council
Our voter service efforts continue on October 10, 7:00 at City Hall as our League hosts a forum for the candidates for mayor and city council of Muscatine. The Candidates have until September 21 to file their papers.
Mayor: Diana Broderson, Charlie Harper, Vance Crumly
2nd Ward: seat currently held by Michael Rehwaldt*; Oz Malcolm
4th Ward: seat currently held by Bob Bynum*; Nadine Brockert and Larry Murray
At-large: Scott Natvig, Phoenice Mason, Kerry Denison, Kelsey Brackett
*not formally announced
Pence-Kobach/ So-called “Election Integrity” Commission 2017
With the next meeting of Kris Kobach’s sham commission announced for September 12th in New Hampshire, LWVUS encourages Leagues to reach out to their local press and speak out against this commission. We have updated the League talking points and included a sample Letter-to-the-Editor template on our resources page. Use this link to see the talking points https://goo.gl/BFDSFk
Reminder: League Positions in Brief in Impact on Issues
A short summary of all of the League’s public policy positions is available in Impact on Issues. Please use these short summaries as a quick reference guide for the League’s various positions.
This is a great resource for new and seasoned members!
Membership
Mel Steckel volunteered to coordinate membership. Please work with Mel to think of potential members. You are the best link to your friends and acquaintances. Invite and bring them to a League meeting!
August Update
Get Registered, Go Vote!
The role of the League of Women Voters has never been more important in registering voters and giving them the opportunity to vote in elections. Every person who exercises their franchise at the ballot box strengths our democracy. Every member of our League is needed to make our democracy work in Muscatine, Iowa and the USA. As you continue to read you will see many opportunities to reach out into the community to help citizens become voting members. Your participation is so important. I can’t wait to work with you on the following important events.
Sue
School Board Election September 12
LWV Muscatine County will host two forums for candidate. The school board forum will be August 22 at 7:00 at City Hall. Tammi Drawbaugh and Tim Bower have announced they are running. A candidate’s first day to file for election was July 10 and the last day is August 3.
City Election November 7
LWV Muscatine County is hoping and planning to have candidates for mayor and city council speak and answer questions on October 10 at 7 pm at City Hall. If candidates are not available, this could change. Mayoral candidates are Diana Broderson and DeWayne Hopkins. Candidates for At-Large are Scott Natvig and Phoneice Mason, 2nd Ward candidates are Michael Rehwaldt and Oz Malcolm, 4th Ward candidates are Bob Bynum, Nadine Brockert, and Larry Murray. The first day to file papers is August 28 and the last day to file is Sept. 21.
National Voter Registration Day – September 26
Leagues across the country will recognize National Voter Registration Day (NVRD. Plans are being made now to celebrate this day by registering voters at sites in Muscatine.
If you are new to League or have never registered voters before, and would like to help, we offer easy, on the job training so you will fit in at any of our upcoming events.
These events are a great way to meet other members and learn more about LWV.
Calendar
August 31 - School Board Candidates’ meeting
September 12 - School Board Election Day
September 26 National Voter Registration Day
October 10 - Municipal and Mayoral Candidates’ meeting
October 24 - Panel discussion on good government and transparency
November 7 Election Day
November 28 - Local Water Quality, Solar, and Billing with MPW
December - no meeting
January - State topic to be determined
February - Food Insecurity and Shelter
March - 27 - To be determined
April 22 - Annual Meeting
May 22 - Calendar Planning
Muscatine Port Gets the Green Light
The city of Muscatine and Kent Corp. were awarded in 2016 to study the feasibility of a port facility. The study, prepared by HDR, Inc. of Kansas City, found the site has “the right Attributes for the development of a river terminal and port district.” The site has access to the highway, is adjacent to an active rail line that serves industrial users and is near the industrial park. The site also has utility access and room for storage and other potential warehouse buildings. HDR, Inc., said the location is ideal because the area has deeper waters than other parts of the river, which would accommodate larger barges, making the port more competitive.
Muscatine’s Community Development Director, Dave Gobin, said shippers and Muscatine residents will see economic benefits from the development of the terminal.
The next steps in the project include designating a “port Zone” that would include all existing industrial activities in the city, developing a public-private partnership to govern the site, developing a site plan and business plan, and preparing for construction.
Muscatine Journal, Sarah Ritter, June 8, 2017
Voter ID in Iowa
Changes in Voter ID were not what the League wanted but we will persist! I see our role as helping the public know about the changes so they can continue to exercise their right to vote. These are the changes:
- Signature verification and ID to vote
- Limit absentee ballot requests to 120 days prior to an election
- Early voting was reduced to 29 days
- No more straight party ticket voting option
- 17 year olds will be able to vote in primaries if they are 18 by Election Day
From LWVUS
The League Opposed the Senate Health Care Plan
The U.S. Senate’s plan to cut health care for 22 million Americans, cut Medicaid and reduce access to health care for women has failed. This is a small victory to maintain quality affordable care for all Americans. Thank you to all who contacted legislators.
League Joins Letter to Secretaries of State Regarding Pence-Kobach Commission Data Request
The League joined a letter sent to all 50 Secretaries of State condemning and opposing the data request by President Trump's advisory commission. The League continues to stand with the election officials who have rejected the request for sensitive information and urges those that have not responded to carefully consider future responses to the commission.
Reject “Election Integrity” Commission’s Voter Suppression Agenda!
Join the 11,000+ League supporters who have signed the petition saying they will not let the ‘Election Integrity’ Commission’s efforts to investigate voter fraud threaten their ability to exercise their right to vote.
More on The New Jim Crow
Ban the Box
A new report released by the Center for American Progress highlights how mass incarceration and over criminalization in the United States have served as significant barriers to economic security and prosperity, especially for people of color. According to the report, “a criminal record is a permanent obstacle to economic security.” However, the report also finds hope: “Thoughtful, well-executed reforms can ease access to the labor market for people with criminal records. These fair chance hiring policies, including ban the box, can ensure that employers evaluate candidates not on their criminal history but instead on their ability to do their jobs successfully.”
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/reports/2017/07/27/436756/ban-box-beyond/
ALERT!
Change of Date : Forum for School Board Candidates will be August 31, @ 7PM, located at City Hall
Extra June Update
State Convention in Grinnell 2017
Just a few thoughts as I reflect on State Convention in Grinnell. The theme was “We’re Not There Yet!” Kathie Obradovich, political columnist for the Des Moines Register, and O. Kay Henderson, Radio Iowa, shared stories filled with humor and history with attendees in the Harris Center on Friday night.
Kathie Obradovich, Des Moines Register, Mary Rae Bragg, LWVIA President and O. Kay Henderson, Radio Iowa
On Saturday the business meeting highlights included a report from our lobbyist. The standouts from the legislative session were Voter ID, water quality funding, criminal justice on mandatory sentencing, and following the money.
First Voter ID:
League lost this round. The Iowa Legislature changed laws to
- Signature verification and ID to vote
- Limit absentee ballot requests to 120 days prior to an election
- Early voting was reduced to 29 days
- No more straight party ticket voting option
- 17 year olds will be able to vote in primaries if they are 18 by Election Day
School Elections will change so elections will be held in November with City Elections starting in 2019.
Campaign check-off will disappear.
Water Quality funds increased to $10,575,000 from $9,529,201.
Crack cocaine disparity in sentencing reduced to 2:5, but new mandatory minimums were created for attempted murder of a police officer.
Mental Health The per capita rates fixes disparities in the mental health regions but not in ours. Eastern Iowa has a big disparity because Scott County’s per capita is low in comparison to other counties creating a shortfall of $3 million.
$$ The Legislature dipped into the “rainy day funds” for $131 million and transferred $25 million to balance the books. While they gave $4.5 million in property tax credits and cut $88.1 million in deappropriations.
Items for 2018
- Pay back the $111 million loan
- School Choice
- Pension Reform/IPERS
- Tax Reform
- Water Quality
I hope this has sparked your interest. To learn more about these bills go to LWVIA Bill Tracker, http://www.ialobby.com/billtracker/lwvia/ or http://www.ialobby.com/billtracker/ I had a good time in Grinnell connecting with other League leaders. I hope you will join me next time!
Linda Meloy, Treasurer
LWVIA State Board
June Update
LWV Muscatine County
The Latest!
Our May meeting at Wine Nutz was a big hit! We drafted a calendar for 2017-18, talked about many topics of local interest, and gained two new members!
Welcome Nora Dwyer and Pam Joslyn to LWV Muscatine
County! Mike Johannsen joined at Annual Meeting. We are glad you joined!
Please share ideas from our calendar with your friends and bring them along to a League meeting. It is through personal connections we share our interests and associations.
What day works for you? We meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month most of the time. Does that work for you? Please reply and let me know. I am interested in what you think.
Draft of Calendar
August 22 - School Board Candidates’ meeting
September 12 - School Board Election Day
October 10th - Municipal and Mayoral Candidates’ meeting
October 24 - Panel discussion on good government and transparency
November 7 Election Day
November 28 - Local Water Quality, Solar, and Billing with MPW
December - No Meeting
January - State topic to be determined
February - Food Insecurity and Shelter
March 27 - To be determined
April 22 - Annual Meeting
May 22 - Calendar Planning
Areas of interest that came up in the brainstorming included domestic violence, a film series at the library, the discussion topic of what makes a good citizen, and an update on Muscatine’s port. Which of these topics speaks to you?
From LWVUS
In 2020 the 19th Amendment will be 100 years old. There is a Centennial Celebration Committee working on ways to raise awareness and spread the news. I volunteered to work on curriculum for high school students. I will meet with others June 9-10 in Grinnell.
LWVIA hold its Convention in Grinnell on June 9-10. I am looking forward to being with other League leaders and hearing direction and priorities for the next year. On Friday night we will hear speakers Kathie Obradovich and O. Kay Henderson. Obradovich is a political columnist for the Des Moines Register and O. Kay Henderson is Radio Iowa News Director. I predict it will be lively!
I hope you are ready to help register voters. Someone will be calling you to enlist your help later in the summer. Let’s make Democracy Work!
Sue
Action Alert: Senate Shapes Healthcare
The battle over legislation that would repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues in the U.S. Senate where a small group of Senators are secretly working
to make decisions that will cut coverage, raise rates and give the richest
Americans tax breaks at the expense of everyone else.
Take action NOW by calling or emailing your Senators today!
I know some of our members are interested in immigration. Here’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
New Google Discussion Group: Immigration
As immigration reform is becoming a priority issue in the League and in our nation, a new LWV online discussion group has been formed to discuss immigration issues. Join to learn what’s happening all across our nation to people who re-enter the U.S. unlawfully but have no record of serious criminal activity, to people who are deported but have American-born children, to children who enter the U.S.unlawfully with their parents when they grow up and try to get a job. This discussion group is for League members to share ideas, resources, successes, and questions. To receive an invitation to join the group, please contact Linda Wassenich (LindaVote@gmail.com) or Meredith Machen (meredith.machen@gmail.com).
League Calls on President Trump to Commit to Protecting Civil Rights
The League joined the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights on a letter to President Trump expressing concern that the civil and human rights of all Americans are being drastically undermined by the administration’s proposed deep cuts to key civil rights office budgets, the withdrawal of numerous important civil and human rights policies, and the appointment of officials who appear bent on retreating from statutory civil and human rights agency priorities.
May Update
March Update
Community Read Success!
The war on drugs funnels big money to drug lords, bankers, and militarized police. Seizure of assets provides funds for law enforcement to continue targeting people of color.
One solution is rewriting laws so non-violent crimes of possession of small amounts of drugs does not result in years of prison time and felony charges. Another solution is offering coordination of basic needs when someone is released from prison.
Thanks to all the members who helped with publicity and support. Special thanks to Susan Cory for her assistance in making this event happen!
President's Message
Adventure and challenge are at the heart of trying new things. Co-sponsoring with MCC and the Alexander G. Clark Lecture Series offered new contacts and valuable relationships. It was a pleasure to work with Naomi DeWinter, President of MCC.
For the second year, LWV Muscatine County offered a community read to the people of Muscatine. Timely topics and motivated participants yielded great turnouts and discussions. We are particularly appreciative of the time and efforts given by Adrien Wing, U of Iowa Law School. She offered a level of expertise on mass incarceration and the New Jim Crow.
Professor Wing shared real personal stories from her own life. She told about her family being denied tables at restaurants because of their color. In reviewing The New Jim Crow she showed how racial control has always been with us: slavery, poverty, disenfranchisement, and prisons. She showed how racism is an economic issue that stretches back to colonization. Black people historically were “the workers,” and now they are “the work” of prisons.
Disenfranchisement weakens the community and country. Historically, people of color could not vote. When the franchise was given in1870 to men and 1920 to women, whites used literacy tests to control who could vote. Now, being a felon results in a similar form of disenfranchisement. Wing called racism a cancer in society that cannot be fixed with band aids. An all out blitz is needed to address it!
Bill Tracker
You can follow legislation in Des Moines at Bill Tracker: http://www.ialobby.com/billtracker/bills.cfm?Cli entID=14&NoHeader=0
UMRR ILO
In the past month, I have been reminded of the Inter-League Organization focused on the Mississippi River and watershed. Sue Wilson is in Dubuque and is always looking for interested volunteers. If the health of the Mississippi River attracts your attention and you would like to be our League's contact, let me know. Our March 28th meeting will focus on the Upper Mississippi River Region. This is a calendar change due to scheduling conflicts. Mike Johannsen will speak in April at our Annual Meeting rather than in March.
Taxation without Representation
The people of Washington, D.C. deserve the same rights that the people in the 50 states enjoy. District residents are required to fulfill all the obligations of U.S. citizenship—paying taxes,
voting, and serving on juries and in the military. Yet for over 200 years, we have been denied a voice in our national government and sovereignty over state and local affairs. Admitting the residential and commercial parts of DC as a state will at last give us representation in Congress and control over our state and local government. Where do things now stand with DC’s quest to become the 51st State? The New Columbia Admission Act has been introduced in both the Senate and the House with multiple co-sponsors representing many States. In the 114th Congress there are 133 sponsors in the House and 20 in the Senate, at this writing. The next step is to pass such legislation and get it signed into law. To do that will require the support of Americans from across the country, the support of a majority in the US Congress, and the support of the President.
League Calls on U.S. House to Keep Key Elements of the ACA
The League sent an action alert urging members of the grassroots lobby corps to contact their Representatives regarding the Repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Please contact your Representatives or call 866-426-2631 to be connected via phone. You can also use this page to contact your Senators. Tell your member of Congress:
• Don’t repeal the Affordable Care Act without an effective plan that will assure we have affordable, quality health insurance.
• Now is not the time to take away health care protections and coverage without an effective plan that will assure we have affordable, quality health insurance.
• Stop rushing to make major changes that will harm millions of Americans while throwing the U.S. health care system into disarray.
Now is a good time to contact your legislators!
League Position on “A Day Without A Woman”
March 8th is International Women’s Day and this year there is a coordinating event to recognize the gender pay gap in the workforce with “A Day Without A Woman” protest. In solidarity with the event, we encourage our members to wear red on March 8 and to support women-owned businesses. While we respect that some women can take the day off from their jobs in protest, we at the League can't lose a single day working to protect voting rights and so the League will not participate in the strike. Our full position statement on the event is available HERE.
February Update
President's Message
There is a new balance to our state house and Congress. A blast of issues faces us each day. Whether voting rights and ID's or immigration, reproductive rights or the science of climate change, the League of Women Voters is working. League action alerts and legislative updates come to you and other members.
Thank you to all who contacted legislators on the latest League issues. There will be more and your voice is important. So, stay tuned and ready to call, message, or email your legislators.
Community Read, Feb. 28, MCC Student Center 7:00 pm.
I hope everyone will make a real effort to attend the community read on Feb. 28, 7:00 pm., at the Student Center at MCC. Adrien Wing, associate dean at U of I law school will give background and lead discussion of the book, The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. League is cosponsoring with MCC and the Alexander Clark Cultural Series. Books are available at the Musser Public Library. Check it out!
Adrien Wing
March is Mental Health
Michael Johannsen, Muscatine County Community Services Director will speak at our regular monthly meeting. We will meet on March 28, 7:00 pm, at the Duncan Room. How has mental health changed with privatization? What parts were expected and unexpected? What is the future for those who have mental health concerns and their families? Come and learn.
Container Terminal Port for Muscatine
Dave Gobin spoke to our League in January. There were about 20 people who attended. He clarified that the city of Muscatine and private interests await the findings of a feasibility study. That study would provide options for the city and private partners to create a container terminal port south of the city.
The new port would allow truck, train, and barges to move containers to and from other businesses and countries. Concerns were expressed about air quality, railroad noise, and increased trucking.
Gobin said the port could be completed in a couple of years without impact to the taxpayer.
Invitation to a Webinar: The Case for Pricing Carbon (NEW)
As the evidence of accelerated climate change and its impact on society mounts, there is an increasing sense of urgency to find solutions. Join a webinar hosted by the LWVUS Price on Carbon Steering Committee to learn how putting a price on carbon works and why scientists, economists and world leaders view pricing carbon as an essential strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. RSVP to join us on February 21, 2:00-3:00 pm EST, for an insightful and informative presentation by internationally renowned science historian and author, Dr. Naomi Oreskes. For more information, please contact Eleanor Revelle, Chair, LWVUS Climate Change Task Force, at er@revelle.net.
League Joins Letter in Support of DACA (NEW)
The League joined a letter with the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and other groups in support of the Obama Administration's 2012 executive action on "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)." The action puts in place common sense and compassionate measures for immigrants who were brought to this country as children, have grown up here, and cannot rationally be blamed for their lack of legal immigration status. If President Trump moves forward with his vow to overturn the action, he would disrupt the lives of 750,000 immigrants and their families across the country.
"The League of Women Voters (LWV) is opposed to deportation of non-criminal undocumented immigrants.
The League supports cities, towns, counties and states that make a decision not to cooperate with federal deportation and enforcement actions that include non-criminal undocumented immigrants.
Moreover, the Trump Administration’s orders are of dubious legality. It is simply wrong, and a perversion of the American system of justice, for the executive branch to refuse to obey federal court orders.
The LWV is opposed to discrimination, including discrimination in immigration, based on religion. The Trump Administration’s orders appear to be targeted at Muslims and immigrants from majority-Muslims nations."
Looking Ahead
National Convention 2018 will be in Chicago, June 28 -July 1, 2017. Would you go and represent out League? Going to National Convention is a thrilling experience, memorable and a great learning opportunity. Could you go? Call Sue if you are interested.
Award Winners!
Pictured above are League members who attended the November 12 ACLU of Iowa Bill of Rights brunch. Pictured front row, left to right, are Jean Basinger, former state senator Johnie Hammond, Karen Person, Rita Bettis, past LWVIA president Bonnie Pitz holding the award, and Kathy Herman. Pictured back row, are Linda Murken, Judie Hoffman, Devita Harden, EJ Gallagher, and Kathy Kahoun.
The League of Women Voters of Iowa was presented the Edward S. Allen Award at the ACLU Bill of Rights Brunch at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Center. The Edward S. Allen Award was created by the ACLU of Iowa to recognize Iowans who are long-time civil liberties heroes. It is named after the founder of the ACLU of Iowa, Edward S. Allen, an Iowa State University math professor and pioneer civil libertarian who dedicated his life to social justice. The Allen award is given only in years where there is one or more appropriate recipients, who have shown sustained contributions to advance civil liberties in our state. The ACLU stated, “The Iowa League of Women Voters has been a stalwart, active, highly effective partner and supporter of our voting rights efforts in the state for decades, most recently filing an amicus brief in the Griffin v. Pate ex-felon voting rights case in front of the Iowa Supreme Court which was authored on its behalf by the Brennan Center.”
January Update
LWV Muscatine County Voter January 2017
From the President,
Happy New Year! It’s January 4 and two Action Alerts prompt us to contact our Senators and Representative urging Congress to address 1) President-elect Trump's unprecedented and unconstitutional conflicts of interest and 2)oppose efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Check your emails for Action Alerts from LWVUS President Chris Carson for details.
PORT AUTHORITY
January offers an opportunity to learn more about issues close to home. Port authority was on member’s minds at calendar planning time. Dave Gobin, Muscatine’s Community Development Director, will share information about moves to make Muscatine a port authority on January 24, at 7 pm, in the Duncan Room, 315 Iowa Ave. Did you know that Muscatine received a Linking Iowa’s Freight Transportation System (LIFTS) grant in February? The LIFTS Grant is an 80/20 match, meaning the grant would provide $80,000 in funding which will be paired with $20,000 from private sources, totaling $100,000 that will be used for the feasibility study. The feasibility study is a necessary first step toward establishing a port authority in Muscatine because it has the potential to provide justification to move forward with applying for larger grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Find out the results of the feasibility study on January 24, 7 pm, in the Duncan Room.
COMMUNITY READ - February 28, 2017, 7PM @ Strahan Hall
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander Discussion Facilitator – Dean Adrien Wing, U of I
The League of Women Voters of Muscatine County and the Alexander G. Clark Foundation will co-sponsor an evening of discussion of the book The New Jim Crow. The Musser Public Library supports this initiative by providing a book kit of 10 copies of The New Jim Crow for check out to all interested readers.
The New Jim Crow is a must read for anyone interested in justice reform. Whether you read all of the book, the first chapters, or none of the book, you are encouraged to attend.
JOHN COUNTY LWV SUNDAY SPEAKER SERIES
Dave Swenson discusses “Iowa’s Economy &Economic Consequences / Tradeoffs of TIF” Sunday, Jan. 29, from 2—3 p.m. at the Iowa City Public Library. An economist and Iowa State University associate scientist in the Department of Economics College of Agriculture & Life Science, Dave Swenson also lectures in the graduate program in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Iowa. He opens the LWVJC Sunday Speaker Series in January. Mr. Swenson provides community economic analysis, technical assistance, outreach and economics education services to the public. He will provide a review of Iowa’s economy and the economic consequences and tradeoffs of TIF for Iowa communities. His areas of research and specialization include community and regional economic studies and evaluations, economic development research and technical assistance, input-output(economic impact) studies, 4iscal impact research, public 4inance and tax policy, community change and worker mobility issues, and public program and project evaluation. Mr. Swenson also provides services to public and private organizations and local and state governments via research, on-site training and education programming, and seminars and public speaking appearances. Linda Schreiber 2017
Legislative Forums in Muscatine Legislative forums are held the first Saturday of the month during legislative session at MCC’s Student Center at 9:00 am - 12:00. These forums are open to the public for information and to ask questions of legislators. The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Muscatine and MCC sponsor the forums on:
February 4
March 4
April 1
May 6
Note : If you are interested in issues of race, mass incarceration and colorblindness in the legal system, a movie that will add to your understanding is 13th.
December Update
From the President
A standing ovation to Sandy Stanley for her efforts to bring David Osterberg to Muscatine! Sandy worked to publicize the event and was successful. There were about 50 people attending that included 7 elected officials. Thank you, Sandy!
Be ready for our February 28th meeting! Go to the public library and ask for the book, The New Jim Crow. There is a book kit with 10 books available for check out. Read some or all to inform yourself on the issues surrounding mass incarceration.
I hope to see everyone at the January 24th meeting with David Gobin. He will tell us about the feasibility study of the City of Muscatine to become a port authority.
Until then - enjoy the holidays!
Sue
Water Quality: Is Voluntary Action Working?
Our League hosted a presentation on water quality. David Osterberg, of the Iowa Policy Project and professor in the Occupational and Environmental Health Department at the University of Iowa, spoke to area residents. Osterberg focused on the 2013 Nutrient Reduction Strategy and asked if it is working. You can read David Osterberg’s writing at http://iowapolicyproject.org/2016docs/161117-water-xs.pdf
“Some research showed that in the Gulf of Mexico the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen has not decreased. Using data from the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll he showed that many farmers are not investing in conservation. The results are algae blooms in the Gulf of Mexico and the closing of Iowa Lakes during the summer season. Beach advisories increased in recent years due to microcystin, a toxin produced by blue-green algae. “This is Iowa now,” said Osterberg.1”
Cities and industries are treated differently. The discharge from cities and industries are referred to as point areas. Mandates to manage and reduce pollutants exist for them.
Farms and ag land are call non-point areas. The source of what drains into streams and rivers is hard to determine, and up until now, voluntary action has been encouraged through cost sharing measures.
“Some of the most startling date relates to farmers willingness to curb pollution of the water. Osterberg’s paper states, “In Iowa State University’s Farm and Rural Life Poll, 51 percent of farmers reported spending nothing on conservation in the 10 years prior to the 2011 survey. Fortunately, a 2014 Farm and Rural Life Poll shows more dollars being spent on conservation measures and suggests the new emphasis on water quality may be motivating landowners to do more to protect land and reduce water pollution. However, both polls demonstrate that asking producers to voluntarily spend funds to protect water is not enough. Even in the 2014 survey, more than 40 percent of producers spent less than $5,000 over the previous 10 years, or less than $500 per year. Since the average size of an Iowa farm is about 350 acres, this suggests that voluntary action has brought spending of little more than a dollar an acre.2”
Based on research, Iowa is doing little to reach the goals of the 2013 Nutrient Reduction Strategy.
All Iowans want to improve water quality for drinking, recreation and agriculture. It is estimated that it will take billions of dollars to improve our water quality. Iowans are watching and waiting to see what the next steps will be.
1. Emily Wenger, Muscatine Journal, November 30, 2016
2. Donnelle Eller & Christopher Doering Ag census finds Iowa farms are bigger but fewer in numberDes Moines Register. February 21, 2014. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/agriculture/2014/02/21/ag-census-finds-iowa-farms-are-bigger-but-fewer-innumber/5669313/
In the New Year
Port Authority – January 24, 2017 http://www.officeholidays.com/
The Duncan Room, 315 Iowa Ave., 7:00 pm
David Gobin, Muscatine’s Community Development Director, will provide information on the plans for a port authority in Muscatine.
The city of was awarded a $100,000 Linking Iowa’s Freight Transportation System (LIFTS) Grant in February. The LIFTS Grant is an 80/20 match grant, meaning the grant provides $80,000 in funding which will be paired with $20,000 from private sources (GPC), totaling $100,000 that will be used for the feasibility study.
By the January 24th League meeting the feasibility study should be very close to completion. A feasibility study is a necessary first step toward establishing a port authority in Muscatine because it has the potential to provide justification to move forward with applying for larger grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
This project will enhance the economic health of the entire surrounding region by ensuring efficient, diverse, and cost-effective freight transportation options for area businesses with access to world markets. Completion of this project could benefit all of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois since there are no intermodal container facilities north of St. Louis along the Mississippi River.1
The Muscatine City Council approved an agreement with HDR, Inc. to do study on the feasibility of an Intermodal Container Port.2
1. Emily Lofgren, “CITY OF MUSCATINE ON THE PATH TO BEING AWARDED LIFTS GRANT,” January 13, 2016.
2. Emily Wegner, “Muscatine City Council overrides Mayoral Veto,” Sept. 1, 1916, Muscatine Journal
Community Read, February 28, 2107
Pick up the book at Musser Public Library, The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander or put it on your wish list to read for the February 28 meeting. League will co-sponsor the event with the Alexander Clark Foundation (ACF). We are pleased to have Adrien Wing, U of I College of Law, as our moderator for the event.
The New Jim Crow is a must read for anyone interested in justice reform. Whether you all the book, the first chapters or none of the book, if you are interested in this topic, you are encouraged to attend.
Adrien Wing
Adrien Wing is the Associate Dean for International and Comparative Law Programs and the Bessie Dutton Murray Professor at the University of Iowa College of Law, where she has taught since 1987
November Update
Whew! The months of September and October were willed to overflowing with forums. Our League worked on three; one for Muscatine County Auditor, Sheriff, and Board of Supervisors, another for Iowa House and Senate Districts in our county, and the US 2nd Congressional District. Voter service events are the backbone of our League. Our members engage and act to provide voter registration opportunities in the community and serve at our forums. The benefits to the public abound. With local cable viewing and replay, radio and print media reporting, our forums reach out to voters to inform and educate. Thanks to all who played a role in making these events happen.
New Members! Sarah Lande joined League this fall and we are thrilled to welcome her! Paul Mayes joined to make his membership with Ann a household membership. Welcome!
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $331 million in 85 projects that will improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural areas in 39 states and American Samoa. Community infrastructure investments are a key piece of USDA's mission to support America's rural communities, and these investments build on the $13.9 billion USDA has invested over the course of the Obama Administration to support 5,825 water and waste infrastructure projects that currently benefit 19.5 million rural residents.
Felon Voting Rights
The Muscatine Journal featured a guest editorial from Bonnie Pitz, former president LWVIA about restoring felon voting rights. You can find her letter at the end of this Voter. The LWVIA has joined a coalition to call for a Constitutional Amendment to restore voting rights to felons. A coalition of 17 groups, including state chapters of the League of Women Voters, American Civil Liberties Union and NAACP, made the recommendations October 25 in a news conference. Iowa is one of just three states, along with Kentucky and Florida, that require ex-felons to apply to the state to have their voting rights restored upon release from prison. Coalition members said that places an undue burden on an individual’s right to vote.
In the New Year
Community Read, February 28, 2017
Pick up the book, The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander or put it on your wish list to read for the February 28 meeting. League will co-sponsor the event with the Alexander Clark Foundation (ACF). We are pleased to have Adrien Wing, U of I College of Law, as our moderator for the event
Adrien Wing is the Associate Dean for International and Comparative Law Programs and the Bessie Dutton Murray Professor at the University of Iowa College of Law, where she has taught since 1987.
I KNOW MY VOTEWILL COUNT CAMPAIGN
For nearly a century, the League’s members have worked tirelessly to ensure that elections in this country are free, fair, and credible. Thanks to our work, we know voters who cast their ballots do so with the confidence that their votes will count. The League is obligated to set the record straight so that voters across the country have the real facts. Our response is a new social media campaign: “I know my vote will count.” Over the remaining weeks of this election, we urge you to join us in sharing the message, “I’m voting, and I know my vote will count.”
League Joins Amicus in McCrory v. Harris The League joined an amicus in the case of McCrory v. Harris. The case will be argued at the U.S. Supreme Court on December 5, 2016. The brief argues that the North Carolina legislature’s redistricting map was intentionally gerrymandered on the basis of race and therefore cannot be legalized by using the explanation that it was a political gerrymander.
League Urges State Election Officials to Prevent Voting Discrimination and Disruption The League joined 88 voting and civil rights groups in urging state election officials to create plans to prevent voting discrimination in advance of the first presidential election in fifty years without a fully operable Voting Rights Act (VRA). Letters were sent to state elections officials in every state. LWVUS was joined by the state Leagues in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia on the letters in their states. DC VOTING RIGHTS
Fixing the Hole in Our Democracy: D.C. Statehood and Voting Rights
Additional materials are now posted on the LWV Website as part of the project to educate League members and the public on the need for full voting rights for D.C. citizens. The LWVDC will be spearheading this effort, called “Fixing the Hole in Our Democracy: Statehood and D.C. Voting Rights”. Learn “How the District of Columbia is Governed in 2016” and “Congressional Intervention the local affairs of the District of Columbia”. And don’t forget to take our quiz to test your knowledge about D.C.! For further information, contact Betsy Lawson at blawson@lwv.org.
October 25, 2016, Muscatine Journal Guest Editorial
Permanent disenfranchisement hurts families and communities
League of Women Voters of Iowa are in the process of registering voters for the upcoming elections.
We do so all year long, but make a special effort for Voter Registration Day on Sept. 27 to make the point about how important it is to be involved in the process of electing our officials who make decisions about our daily life.
There are 56,000 Iowans who are not eligible to vote, including one in five African Americans. They are ineligible to vote because of a felony in their past. As League members meet with the public, we often run into individuals who wish to vote but cannot because of their felony conviction. These individuals are permanently blocked from voting, even though they have served their time and completed probation.
Across the country, most states automatically restore voting rights upon completion of a sentence. Only Florida, Kentucky and Iowa permanently deny voting rights to everyone with a felony.
The league was disappointed by this year’s 4-3 Iowa Supreme Court decision in Griffin v. Pate. The Iowa ACLU took up the case of Kelli Jo Griffin, a Montrose mother of four who was convicted of a nonviolent offense in 2008. Griffin was told by her attorney that her voting rights would be restored after she completed probation. This was true in 2008, but Gov. Terry Branstad rescinded this rule on his first day in office in 2011. The change made Griffin — and all other Iowa citizens with a felony conviction — ineligible to vote unless their rights are restored by the governor.
There is a way to get voting rights back, but the process is challenging. The governor reviews applications on a case-by-case basis. Applying costs time and money. The state can take up to six months to review an application. Between 2011 and 2014, an estimated 14,500 people completed a felony sentence, but only 64 had voting rights restored.
It is important to remember that, of the 56,000 disenfranchised individuals in our state, many are raising families, working, paying taxes and trying hard to reintegrate into society. We must be mindful of the consequences our law has for families. Does it not make sense that those who have paid their debt to society, should be reintegrated in the most positive way so they can fully participate in the election process and demonstrate that involvement to their children?
Voting is an activity we do as a family and community.
Lifetime disenfranchisement means that in Iowa’s African-American communities nearly a quarter of adults and many parents are deprived a say in policies affecting schools, taxes, policing and more. It means we are creating a permanent underclass that our officials are free to disregard.
We would also be wise to think of “family focused citizenship.” Children do not learn citizenship only in a school setting, but by the actions and beliefs of their families. Why not let parents act as role models and demonstrate the importance of voting and citizenship? We should give them the chance to discuss political views, their part in the political process and ultimately vote. It makes sense to encourage maximum participation in our political process.
When one thinks about the importance of family citizenship, reintegration of those with a past felony, necessity of connected community belonging, and taxation without representation, it only makes sense to have the Legislature change the law so citizens with a felony conviction can have voting rights restored after serving time and probation.
BONNIE PITZ, of Belle Plaine, is past president of the League of Women Voters of Iowa. Contact: dbpitz@ iowatelecom.net or lwvia.org