Politics in a Nutshell

Iowans impacted by ACA tax credits expiring, see increase in premiums 

Iowans who rely on premium tax credits to secure affordable health insurance through the Affordable Care Act spoke up this week, urging Iowa Republicans to vote to expand the credits to prevent skyrocketing health premiums for 116,000 Iowans.

Iowa Democrat leaders lay out plans for 2026 legislative session
This week House Democrats shared their proposals for property tax reform, which they identified as a priority. Their plan includes a freeze on property taxes for homeowners at least 65 years old. They’re also looking to tackle a billion-dollar drop in tax revenue created by Iowa Republicans.

3 issues Iowa Democratic leaders addressed in a 2026 legislative forum
A property tax freeze, eminent domain and Iowa's high cancer rates were three of the topics that Iowa Democratic lawmakers tackled at a presession legislative forum on Jan. 8.

ICE, immigration officials have shot at people at least 16 times in Trump second term
Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, was at least the 15th person fired upon by immigration officials in President Donald Trump's second term.

Representatives on the Record

Give your representatives a call and ask them questions about the decisions they are making in Congress.

Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (202) 225-6576

What is Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ plan to address skyrocketing health insurance premiums for hundreds of thousands of Iowans? Miller-Meeks voted for the largest cut in Medicaid history and let Affordable Care Act premium tax credits expire, kicking Iowans off their health insurance plans. What is her plan to ensure all Iowans have access to affordable health care?

Representative Ashley Hinson (202) 225-2911

What is Ashley Hinson’s plan to address skyrocketing health insurance premiums for hundreds of thousands of Iowans? Hinson voted for the largest cut in Medicaid history and let Affordable Care Act premium tax credits expire, kicking Iowans off their health insurance plans. What is her plan to ensure all Iowans have access to affordable health care?

Representative Zach Nunn (515) 400-8180

What is Zach Nunn’s plan to address skyrocketing health insurance premiums for hundreds of thousands of Iowans? Nunn voted for the largest cut in Medicaid history and let Affordable Care Act premium tax credits expire, kicking Iowans off their health insurance plans. What is his plan to ensure all Iowans have access to affordable health care?

Representative Randy Feenstra (712) 224-4692

What is Randy Feenstra’s plan to address skyrocketing health insurance premiums for hundreds of thousands of Iowans? Feenstra voted for the largest cut in Medicaid history and let Affordable Care Act premium tax credits expire, kicking Iowans off their health insurance plans. What is his plan to ensure all Iowans have access to affordable health care?

Take Action

Volunteer with the Iowa Democratic Party below. Help take our state and country back from the reality 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 “Events” under the “Take Action” tab at the top of the page.

Precinct Caucus Training

When: Sun, January 11, 7:00 p.m. 

Where: Online

Description: These trainings are really important for county chairs, location managers, temporary precinct caucus chairs and temporary precinct caucus secretaries. We would love to welcome as well anyone who is involved in the planning process or is interested in learning more about a position before committing to taking a formal role.

RSVP Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rScqlak-THWgPi6WDT2_Wg#/registration

Ankeny Area Democrats Monthly Meeting

When: Tues, January 20, 6:30 p.m. 

Where: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library, 1250 SW District Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023

Description: Please join the Ankeny Area Democrats for their monthly meetings, every 3rd Tuesday. Details can be found at https://www.ankenyareademocrats.org/

Note From the Chair

Hey folks! Rita Hart here.

I have an important update on the upcoming Iowa Democratic Party Precinct Caucuses, which will be held at 7 p.m. on February 2. If you think Iowa is going in the wrong direction with its $1 billion budget shortfall, tax breaks for the wealthy and politicians who are leaving our public schools behind while ignoring real problems like loss of manufacturing jobs and rising costs – precinct caucuses are the perfect time for you to get involved in your local Democratic Party and we need you to show up!

Along with planning for organizing in 2026, IDP will conduct traditional party business at the in-person precinct caucuses including electing delegates and alternate delegates to county conventions, electing county central committee members and submitting platform resolutions for county conventions.

The current list of caucus locations is now available at https://iowademocrats.org/caucus-locations/. Not all locations have been finalized, so we here at IDP will continue updating the list between now and February 2 until the details for all 99 county parties are included.

Last year, Iowa Democratic candidates overperformed by an average of 22 points in six special elections. The 2026 precinct caucuses will be the first opportunity to get involved in our winning campaign for change. If you are ready for new leadership, please join your local Democratic Party and get involved the evening of February 2.

Sincerely,

Rita Hart

IDP Chair