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Politics in a Nutshell
Trump Fires Hundreds of Thousands of Federal Workers [[link removed]]
Last week Trump laid off hundreds of thousands of Americans that worked for the federal government. In Iowa workers were fired at the USDA, Depart of Veterans Affairs, National Park Service, and likely many more agencies. Not only will their families not know when their next paycheck is coming in; the farmers, veterans, and members of the public that relied on their services will see their help vanish. Because the government isn’t being made more ‘efficient’, the jobs they did now simply won’t get done.
Trump Blames Ukraine for Russia’s Invasion [[link removed]]
In spoken remarks this week Trump blamed Ukraine for Russia’s invasion, directly stating it was the Ukrainians’ fault they were attacked. This is as ludicrous as saying America was at fault for Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, but in line with Trump’s notorious refusal to criticize Vladimir Putin. Trump broke his promise to end the war against Ukraine in a single day, and seems to be setting the stage to abandon our ally. He wants his supporters to believe forcing Ukraine to surrender is peace; those conquered by Russia know this means nothing but genocide.
Representatives on the Record
Senator Chuck Grassley: (202) 224-3744
What We Need To Know: does Grassley support the purges of Iowan workers out of the Federal Government? Hundreds of thousands of Americans have lost their jobs across the nation. Where does he stand on it? Call your senator today and ask him these questions, don’t let him stay silent while Trump and Elon hurt Iowa families.
Senator Joni Ernst: (202) 224-3254
What We Need To Know: does Ernst support the purges of Iowan workers out of the Federal Government? Hundreds of thousands of Americans have lost their jobs across the nation. Where does she stand on it? Call your senator today and ask her these questions, don’t let her stay silent while Trump and Elon hurt Iowa families.
Governor Kim Reynolds: (515) 281-5211
What We Need To Know: does Reynolds support the purges of Iowan workers out of the Federal Government? What is she doing to ensure these workers and their families have support in the days to come? Call your governor today and ask her these questions, don’t let her stay silent while Trump and Elon hurt Iowa families.
Note From the Chair
Hey folks! Rita Hart here.
The firings last week came as a shock to many people. When Donald Trump promised to cut federal spending, many assumed he’d be axing small agencies they’d never heard of or received services from. Folks assumed these cuts would not affect anyone working hard for veterans or USDA workers who are researching solutions for bird flu. They assumed wrong, and now hundreds of Iowa families are paying the price.
Tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires don’t come cheap, so cuts were always going to have to go deep enough to hurt. The USDA, Federal Park Service, Veterans Affairs, all have seen job firings in Iowa. Some were even cruel enough to happen on Valentine’s Day.
This isn’t increasing government efficiency. It’s just reducing the very services our communities rely on. The scientific research, veteran services, and park maintenance those employees are responsible for every day simply isn’t going to happen anymore. There’s no magical solution that’s going to pick up the slack. Many of these agencies are already understaffed; when you slash their workforce even more, they don’t ‘adapt’, they just get less done.
The vulnerable who rely on these agencies will feel the pain first. The rest of society will also suffer once the system they rely on begins to degrade. Democrats must win in 2026, in order to help lessen the harm that is coming. In 2028 we’ll retake the presidency, and begin to truly fix our country. Now is the time to organize and lay the groundwork to make that possible.
Our work continues,
Sincerely,
Rita Hart
IDP Chair
Take Action
Volunteer with the Iowa Democratic Party below. Help take our state and county back from the brink of Republican chaos.
Volunteer Today! [[link removed]]
Join the 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.
Planned Parenthood Lobby Day
When: Mon, February 24, 9am-3pm
Where: Training at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, then lobbying at the Iowa State Capitol
Description: Raising your voice and speaking directly with the elected officials who represent you is an empowering opportunity to advocate for those who often go unheard. It’s your chance to share your story, demand accountability, and make your values known. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa’s annual Lobby Day is more than just a day at the Capitol—it’s your chance to connect with other supporters from across the state and unite in fierce advocacy.
Senior and Retiree Caucus Zoom Call
When: Mon, February 24, 5pm
Where: Online
Description: Since FDR signed Social Security into existence on 14 August 1935, it has lifted millions of Americans out of poverty, and currently serves 68 million Americans by providing income for retirees, their surviving spouses and children, and adults with disabilities. But as with most vital government services, Social Security is under attack from Republicans and we need to take action.
We will hear from Jon "Bowzer" Bauman, President of Social Security Works PAC and Vice Chair of the DNC Seniors Council. You may remember Jon as “Bowzer" of rock group “Sha Na Na” & the movie “Grease", but since 2004, Jon has traveled our nation endorsing candidates who fight for older Americans' quality of life. In 2024 he helped win 10 swing U.S. House seats, holding Republicans to a slim margin that will stop much of their worst legislation. Jon lives in California's Santa Ynez Valley & Los Angeles with his wife, Mary, retired Clinical Director of HELP Group, one of America’s biggest agencies for educating young people on the autism spectrum.
Please join in as we listen, ask questions, and learn. We'll discuss the success, solvency, & security of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other factors that affect seniors (such as housing, elder care, transit, food security....), and receive actionable advice and resources for what we can do to defend & extend these programs.
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