Team,

Many Iowa students are starting school today with a COVID variant that is infecting children at a higher rate than we’ve ever seen. Yet Governor Kim Reynolds has stripped school districts and local governments from being able to require masks.

I’ve been talking to educators and parents across the state, and they feel confused, scared, and angry. More than anything, they want to protect our kids.

Iowans' lives and the health and safety of our children are at risk because we have a Governor who prioritizes her political interests ahead of the people of Iowa.

This total lack of leadership was evident when Iowan families filled the lawn outside the capitol to plead with the Governor to let school boards have a say in what’s best for their own communities. But Governor Reynolds vowed to “hold strong” and go to court if needed to fight mask requirements in schools meant to keep our children safe.

I strongly believe that no one knows what's best for a community more than the people who live there. Local control is a hallmark of success in Iowa that Governor Reynolds continues to erode.

Sign our petition to hold Governor Reynolds accountable and support local communities having decision-making power and control over their own school districts.

And let us not forget the $95 million that Governor Reynolds returned to the federal government that was meant to help our schools in this very situation. That $95 million was Iowans’ own money that we paid in taxes, coming back to us to invest in our schools and our children. Dollars for testing and COVID mitigation to help keep our students in schools and safe. Our schools that the GOP has already underfunded for over a decade — causing a continual increase in teacher shortages.

And she sent the money back. Now, other states are reaping the benefits of Iowans’ hard-earned dollars.

Iowans are demanding restoration of local control across the state, and I echo this demand. But today, I am asking Iowans to call on Governor Reynolds to admit her mistake, reestablish local control over schools, and request the $95 million of Iowa taxpayer dollars be returned to help make our children safer as we embark upon a new school year.

Add your name to build public pressure and demand Governor Reynolds does the right thing for our children and communities.

Thanks for speaking up alongside me,

Ras