Note From the Chair

Friend,

Rather than take an opportunity to bring $29 million in Iowans’ federal tax dollars back to Iowa and feed hungry kids, Governor Reynolds launched a competitive grant-based program that’s 32x smaller and unwisely forces organizations to fight one another for a chance at funding they rely on to feed children.

Here’s the timeline so far:

First: Three months ago, the Governor turned down $29 million in federal funding – that Iowans have already been taxed for – to feed hungry Iowa kids.

Second: The Governor received an immense wave of pushback from Iowans who were rightfully upset that the governor would refuse such an immense benefit for Iowa kids.

Third: Late last week, the Governor, trying to walk back her mistake, announced her own competitive $900,000 grant program – which is also funded through COVID relief dollars. The program announced by Governor Reynolds forces applicants to prove how the hunger of those they serve is more important than that of other applicants, all for a funding pool 32x smaller than what would have been available to all applicants had the Governor just accepted the federal funding.

That makes no sense, friend. It’s an unbelievably poor governing decision, and Iowa kids deserve far better.

The comparison between Republicans and Democrats in the legislature couldn’t be clearer on this issue. While Governor Reynolds and the Iowa Republican Party are sacrificing critical opportunities to feed kids, our Democrats are working as hard as they can – even while in the minority – to convince them to change course.

Senators Sarah Trone Garriott and Izaah Knox, for example, have been working hard on this issue for more than a year. After the Governor declined the $29 million last year, Senators Trone Garriott and Knox sent a letter to the Governor requesting that the state apply for the USDA Pandemic EBT program, helping those who qualify for free or reduced lunches to have access to food over the summer.

How is it that we’re doing more for Iowa kids than the party in power who has complete control of dictating Iowa law? To put it simply, it’s because they’ve shown time and time again that they’re not good at governing.

Feeding hungry kids used to be one of those issues that was easy to support, regardless of the letter by your name. Now, even Iowa children are pieces in a political game being played by Iowa Republicans, and that’s just plain wrong, friend.

The election season has started, and it’s vile policy decisions like this that make me more committed to working even harder. If you feel as passionate about changing the political climate in Iowa as I do, I hope you’ll join me in volunteering at any of the events I’ve shared with you below. Let us know what you want to do. We need to work together as a team to make a difference.

Sincerely,

Rita Hart

Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party

Take Action

Celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month by joining IDP at one of the many events being hosted in every corner of the state. See the full list of events by visiting iowademocrats.org and clicking the “Calendar” button in the top right corner.

IDP Women’s Caucus Educational/Informational Meeting

Thursday, April 18, 8:00 pm - Monthly on the third Thursday of each month

Meeting information provided upon RSVP

See IDP Event Calendar for More Information

Bohannan for Congress (IA-1): Fundraiser

Saturday, April 20 - 3:00 pm

11150 New Liberty Road, Walcott, IA 52773

RSVP/ADVANCE SIGNUP REQUIRED.