Politics in a Nutshell

U.S. Heading to Record Ag Trade Deficit | Market Intel | American Farm Bureau Federation

The U.S. agricultural trade deficit is growing rapidly. In fact, the debt from January to April of 2025 was $19.7 billion, the largest ever recorded for the first four months of a year. The U.S. agriculture industry is struggling, especially here in Iowa. And with Trump’s chaotic trade war still in effect, the situation will likely only get worse.

The Senate Wants Billions More in Medicaid Cuts, Pinching States and Infuriating Hospitals - The New York Times

The Republicans somehow found a way to make a bad bill even worse. The Senate is now looking to cut even more money from Medicaid, terrible news for those hoping they would scale back the potential devastation. These extra cuts are to make room for the tax breaks they’re looking to give to millionaires and billionaires; their current plan adds trillions to the deficit, in their minds an easy way to make that number go down is to take healthcare away from the most vulnerable.

Representatives on the Record

Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (202) 225-6576

Does Rep. Miller-Meeks support the Senate’s extended Medicaid cuts? Thousands of her constituents were at risk of losing their Medicaid before, why make that number even larger? Why are Republicans kicking people off Medicaid when they could just stop giving handouts to the rich instead? What is she doing to make sure Iowans aren’t hurt by the Senate’s budget bill? Why isn’t she fighting in Congress for her constituents’ healthcare?

Representative Ashley Hinson (202) 225-2911

Does Rep. Hinson support the Senate’s extended Medicaid cuts? Thousands of her constituents were at risk of losing their Medicaid before, why make that number even larger? Why are Republicans kicking people off Medicaid when they could just stop giving handouts to the rich instead? What is she doing to make sure Iowans aren’t hurt by the Senate’s budget bill? Why isn’t she fighting in Congress for her constituents’ healthcare?

Representative Zach Nunn (515) 400-8180

Does Rep. Nunn support the Senate’s extended Medicaid cuts? Thousands of his constituents were at risk of losing their Medicaid before, why make that number even larger? Why are Republicans kicking people off Medicaid when they could just stop giving handouts to the rich instead? What is he doing to make sure Iowans aren’t hurt by the Senate’s budget bill? Why isn’t he fighting in Congress for his constituents’ healthcare?

Representative Randy Feenstra (712) 224-4692

Does Rep. Nunn support the Senate’s extended Medicaid cuts? Thousands of his constituents were at risk of losing their Medicaid before, why make that number even larger? Why are Republicans kicking people off Medicaid when they could just stop giving handouts to the rich instead? What is he doing to make sure Iowans aren’t hurt by the Senate’s budget bill? Why isn’t he fighting in Congress for his constituents’ healthcare?

Take Action

Volunteer with the Iowa Democratic Party below. Help take our state and country back from the brink of Republican chaos.

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.

Summer Fundraiser with Jess Piper, Dirt Road Democrat

When: Fri, June 27, 6:30pm

Where: 2622 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014

Description: FREE Admission! Join us for a dessert bar and beverages.

Keynote Speaker: Jess Piper, a former teacher and a fierce advocate for rural communities and public schools, Jess is the Executive Director of Blue Missouri and writes the Substack “The View from Rural Missouri.” She’ll share her insights on how Democrats can win in rural America.

EmCee: County Supervisor Latifah Faisal

Featured Speaker: Tom O’Donnell, 2024 candidate for HD 87 in rural SE Iowa

We need volunteers to bring food and beverages, and help with setup, serving, and cleanup. To see what we need click this link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45ACA922A1FEC52-56243015-story#/

Contributions of any amount gratefully accepted. Online donations may be made at https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/story-county-democratic-party--ia--1

or by check:

Story County Democrats

P.O. Box 1256

Ames, IA 50014-1256

We will be doing a food pantry drive so please bring nonperishable food or household staples if you are able.

VAN Training

When: Fri, June 27, 6:00pm

Where: Online

Description: VAN training for new users, and for experienced users that want to freshen up their skills. Open to all Democrats.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82683380036?pwd=YYHeaFUrYvwgJtspM7tNKjPvErZpkF.1

Note From the Chair

Hey folks! Rita Hart here.

Three years ago today Iowa Republicans applauded as the United States Supreme Court ripped away women’s right to make decisions about their own healthcare. Dobbs v. Jackson paved the way for Trump and Iowa Republicans to launch attacks on women’s reproductive health, which has been protected for nearly five decades, and enact abortion bans nationwide – including in Iowa. 

Iowa Democrats will never stop fighting for equal rights for women and to restore access to women's health care in Iowa. Iowa's abortion law has not only impacted women — but the number of women's health care providers in the state. Planned Parenthood, which offers routine check-ups and annual cancer screenings, shut down several offices in Iowa last month. 

One-third of Iowa's 99 counties are already considered maternal healthcare deserts and can't afford to lose any more providers. 

If you want to join us in our fight to protect women's health care, sign up to volunteer with the Iowa Democratic Party by clicking here, and check out our events calendar by clicking here. 

Courageous Democrats are already making a difference across the state. Lucas County stood up in a protest to defend their local hospital from potential Medicaid Cuts. Those in Linn County and Jackson County made news coverage by hosting a forum centered on how Medicaid cuts would affect their communities. Iowans have been leading with passion and vulnerability by sharing their personal stories and learning how to teach others to do the same. Their contributions are leading to more awareness of the harm the Republican budget bill will bring.

To continue making change, we need to keep working together. I appreciate your continued involvement and support of the Iowa Democratic Party.

Sincerely,

Rita Hart

IDP Chair