What’s Going On?
ICYMI: Democratic Leaders Blast Pence, GOP’s Abysmal Record Ahead of His Visit to Iowa
Des Moines — On Friday, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Ross Wilburn and Iowa House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst held a press conference to call out Mike Pence ahead of his visit to Iowa while highlighting how President Biden and Democratic leaders have delivered for Iowans when Republicans failed to make good on their promises.
The state’s Democratic leaders blasted Pence and Iowa Republicans for handing over tax giveaways to the ultra-wealthy, failing to deliver on infrastructure, and taking credit for Democratic achievements. This abysmal record is in sharp contrast to the successes of the Biden-Harris administration and the once-in-a-generation investments made possible by President Biden and Iowa Democrats like Congresswoman Cindy Axne.
“Try as he might, Pence cannot rewrite his role in the Trump-Pence administration. While Pence and Iowa Republicans like Kim Reynolds and Chuck Grassley are handing over tax giveaways to the ultra wealthy and trying to take credit for Democratic achievements, President Biden and Iowa Democrats have invested billions of dollars to improve Iowa’s roads and bridges, connect small towns with high speed internet, and expand access to high quality, affordable health care,” said Ross Wilburn, Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party. “Let’s not forget that it was Mike Pence who led the charge to cut taxes for the wealthy and corporations while President Biden has a plan to make billionaires pay their fair share and give a tax cut to working families.”
“Iowans are fed up with politicians who talk and don’t deliver — and we’re going to get more of that when former Vice President Mike Pence comes to Iowa tomorrow. President Biden and Democrats are listening to what Iowans want and we’ve delivered on our promises: we’ve fixed our roads and bridges, expanded access to high-speed internet, we’ve got E-15 all year round, we’re lowering health care costs,” said Iowa House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst. She also blasted Republicans' latest plans for Iowa families, including “more tax cuts for the wealthy, Big Oil, and special interests, raising taxes on hardworking families, and even pushing for disastrous school vouchers.”
Earlier this month, the GOP backed a plan that would not only raise taxes on child care workers, teachers, first responders, and other working people across Iowa, but also sunset Medicare and Social Security after five years.
County Convention
The Boone County Democrats will hold their convention on Saturday, March 26th at the Erickson Public Library, with registration starting at 8:30 am and the meeting beginning at 9:00. Business should be concluded by 11 am.
Scholarship available
The Boone County Democrats are taking applications for a scholarship available to any high school senior who lives in Boone County, regardless of the school they attend. Students should contact their school officials to receive and application; submissions are due no latter than April 29th. Contact info@boonecountydem.com for more information or questions.
Caucus Time!!
Iowa Democratic Party Caucus
Monday, February 7th, 2022 7:00pm
Masks are Required to Attend the Caucus
You must be in-line or signed-in by 7:00pm to participate
Boone County Democrats will meet at the following location(s):
BN1, BN2, BN3, BN4, BN5, RP1 and RP6 Boone High School, 500 7th St
MD1, MD2, MD3, RP2 Madrid Library, 100 W 3rd St
RP3, RP4, RP5, Ogden Ogden Elementary School, 313 W Sycamore St
The purpose of this year’s caucus is to:
1. Discuss and adopt proposed resolutions to be added to the county platform.
2. Elect Delegates and Alternates to the County Convention
3. Elect Precinct Committee Persons to the County Central Committee
It is also a chance to sign nomination petitions. The number of signatures has increased and the length of time decreased!! Sign up for texting and for the newsletter, get involved!! Meet your fellow Democrats.
The precinct caucus is a great way to get involved in grassroots activities with the Iowa Democratic Party.
All Iowa Democrats are encouraged to attend.
Soup Supper Success!
Thanks to all who helped and attended the “semi virtual” soup supper. A lot of very good homemade soups were purchased and we had great speakers, both in real time and online.
1 - Michael Franken
2 - John Norwood
3 - Eric Van Lancker (video)
4 - Ryan O-Leary
5 - Abby Finkenauer
Pre Register for 2022 Caucuses
Pre-Registration
Our Pre-Registration link is now live! It will take you to the IDC site to register using the new precincts.
New Precincts for 2022
Below are the new precinct maps which will be used for the caucuses and for all elections going forward.
Boone Precincts
Rural and Ogden
Madrid
Caucus Time!!
ALL REGISTERED DEMOCRATS
Plan to attend the caucuses of the Iowa Democratic party – coming to a location near you on Feb. 7, 2022! Make a memory – not many people in the country can say they’ve participated in a caucus. We will be using the NEW 2021 precinct maps for the caucuses. Check the next newsletter for the final district boundaries.
Attend an online training session soon to volunteer to lead or assist with your precinct. First-timers are welcome! No experience necessary. This is the time to build your skills, as off-season caucuses have fewer duties and lighter attendance. Contact info@boonecountydem.com for more information.
Additional Training Opportunities
Note: These trainings will be happening over ZOOM.
Boone Democrats Care!!
The BCD distributed $1300 to local food pantries in the month of December. Thanks to all who contributed to help fight hunger.
Now help us fight the root causes of hunger and poverty!!
Kurt presents a check to director of Greater Love in Madrid, which serves Madrid and the nearby area.
Amy presenting check to IMPACT in Boone, which serves the entire county with food and other vital needs.
Penny presents check to Kim. Toreador helps students and their families in the Boone School District.
Help End Hunger
From now through Nov. 26th, the Boone County Democrats will be colleting funds to distribute to food pantries in Boone and Madrid. The need is ever growing! Donate online or mail a check to BCD CC, PO Box 535, Boone, 50036. Put “food drive” or similar in the byline.
Then join us in working to change the policies that contribute to hunger in the first place!! In the richest nation on earth, no one should be hungry.
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bcdcares
Local Elections
Your vote can make all the difference!!
Early voting for city and school district elections has started, and the BCD would like to strongly encourage everyone to support democracy at the local level. Although BCD does not endorse candidates for non-partisan seats, we do hope you will get to know these candidates before you cast your ballot. Please encourage everyone you know to participate in these local elections, and GO VOTE! This APP has sample ballots attached to your polling location to make candidate research easier: https://arcg.is/e9GS5.
The incumbent members of the school board up for re-election (Brian Melhaus and Jeremy Pritchard) have done a very good job, and have the experience and qualifications to continue to serve the needs of the Boone school district.
For the first time in 15 years, the voters in Boone have a chance to make a real change in how their City Government operates. Most of you will recognize Holly Stecker and Elijah Stines as current council members; Eli would like to continue representing Boone Ward 3, and Holly hopes to win the mayor’s seat.
Newcomers include Linda Williamson, who is running for Council member At-large (Stecker’s current position), and Scott Zeitler running for council seat Ward 5.
Linda served 12 years on the Ogden School Board prior to moving to Boone 13 years ago with her husband David. She has served on numerous committees and boards over the years, worked for 32 years as an AEA School Psychologist, and is currently an active member of the Boone Arts Commission.
Scott Zeitler hopes to win the Ward 5 Council seat, which is being vacated by Greg Picklapp. Scott is a professional painter who has lived in Boone for many years. While he does not have a long history of public, or board service, he does have a strong desire to serve his community. He is thoughtful, capable, thinks before he speaks, and is eager to learn more about how he can help the citizens of Boone.
This group of candidates have conducted themselves professionally during the campaign, they have listened to citizens’ concerns in a thoughtful, caring manner, and they have stayed “above the fray” even when false personal attacks have come their way. Each of them is committed to working in a non-partisan manner for all the citizens of Boone.
"As your Mayor, Boone's downtown revitalization and enhancement will be the cornerstone of my daily work. I will continue to improve upon our beautiful city parks and strengthen our public services. Most significantly, I will prioritize the city's resources and budget to reflect the values of all our citizens." - Holly Stecker
email: hollystecker6@gmail.com
"One of the most important things to me has always been to listen to citizens with empathy and to foster a culture which grants those who may not have otherwise felt comfortable coming forward with their issues the space to do so."
- Elijah Stines
www.facebook.com/StinesForCouncil
"As a member of the Council, I will work as part of a team, support sound financial decisions, and always consider what is best for all members of our community before making decisions."
- Linda Williamson
www.facebook.com/LindaWilliamsonforBooneCityCouncil
"I believe in responsive, transparent city government that fulfills it's obligations, and works for the benefit of all it's Citizens." - Scott Zeitler
www.facebook.com/zeitlerfor councilward5
No candidate was endorsed by nor received funding from Boone County Democrats
Learn about Boone City Candidates!!
Come to the meet and greet; learn about the issues and where these candidates stand. Early voting is in progress now!
Habitat For Humanity Painting
Join the BCD for a real paint job! On Sept 25th we will do interior painting at the Habitat for Humanity house. You don't need equipment or experience; just wear clothes you don't care about!! We will paint from 8 am to 1 pm, with a break and some snacks at 10 am.
Respond to info@boonecountydem.org.
Thanks to all of you for all you do!!
Rep. Miller-Meek needs to check her sources!
Chair Ross Wilburn calls out Rep. Miller-Meek for spreading dangerous disinformation
Des Moines - "Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks needs to apologize to Iowa Veterans and President Biden for sharing a blatantly false, satirical story on social media and lending credence to its claims. Miller-Meeks couldn't do the bare minimum of research – the source clearly states its satirical purpose as an outlet "...for real fake local commentary, news, and opinion.”
This kind of behavior is an embarrassment to our state and a danger to our democracy. It’s also an insult to hard-working Iowa journalists.
It's clear Miller-Meeks will do anything to stay in power – including relying on lies and disinformation to further her incompetent campaign. That’s why Iowans are ready to see her go in 2022.”
Statement from IDP on Texas Abortion Ban
One Week Later: Iowa Democratic Leaders continue to speak out following Texas abortion ban
Below are statements from Chair Ross Wilburn and IDP Women’s & Progressive Caucuses
“Iowa cannot become Texas. Iowa Republicans have already set the stage for a total abortion ban in our state. Abortion must be kept safe and legal for all - especially for people of color, low income and rural Iowans. I stand with Congressional Democrats in their efforts to codify Roe v. Wade. Politics have no place in one of the most personal health care decisions a person can make. We’re all Iowans at the end of the day, and should treat our friends and neighbors with compassion and kindness – not shame and stigma – as they navigate these decisions." - Chair Ross Wilburn
“The Texas ban opens the door for other states to adopt similar legislation and is nothing but an all-out assault on patients, health care providers and communities. It pits neighbors against neighbors and puts a bounty on those who help others access abortion. Today, it’s Texas but tomorrow it could be Iowa. We are facing the very real possibility that Iowans won’t have access to safe and legal abortion in just a few short years and will be forced into pregnancy and parenthood.” - Jamie Burch Elliott, IDP Women’s Caucus
Community Engagement
We are part of Boone County and making it a better place for everyone is what being a Democrat is at its core. Currently we are engaging in two projects: scholarships for high school seniors and providing tomato plants for elementary students in the county.
This year we are offering three $500 scholarships to high school seniors who reside in Boone County, regardless of the school system they attend. The scholarships this year are given in honor of two long time activists, Mike O’Brian and Richard “Dick” Jordan. If you are aware of someone whop might want to apply, contact us at info@boonecountydem.com.
The second project is to provide a grow bag with a cherry tomato plant, locally grown, to any elementary student who would like one. We are distributing them on May 15th from 10-11 am by the public libraries in Boone, Ogden, and Madrid. If you would like to help with distribution, contact Mary Jo Schmerr at mjschmerr@hotmail.com.
Also being explored are opportunities to adopt a stretch of highway in Boone County for clean up and spending a day working for habitat for humanity.
FIRST LEGISLATIVE DEADLINE WATCH LIST
Last week, we wrapped up work after the first legislative deadline, known as the funnel, which helps narrow down the number of bills eligible for debate as we get closer to adjournment. Unfortunately, the Governor and Legislative Republicans’ agenda so far this session has been focused on divisive bills. Here are some of the GOP’s worst ideas that we’re keeping an eye on this session:
*Cuts unemployment for Iowans (SF 492 /HSB 203)
*Eliminate background checks, allow guns in schools, and put guns in hand of criminals (SJR 7)
*Provides immunity to firearm manufacturers (HF621/ SF514)
*Eliminates housing voucher non-discrimination laws (HF720/SF252)
*Expands Charter Schools (HSB242)
*Bans “divisive concepts” like racism or sexism from being discussed in public schools and universities (HSB258)
*New barriers for Iowans to get food or health care assistance (SF389)
*Eliminate tenure at Iowa’s state universities (HF496)
*Vouchers for private schools (SF159)
*Allows the State to make discrimination easier (HF481)
*Provide trucking companies immunity from hiring rapists and sex traffickers (SF 537/HSB259)
*Putting a monetary value on people’s lives when medical malpractice has occurred (HF592 / SF557)
*Discouraging Iowans from getting live-saving vaccines (SF193)
*Punishing private businesses for blocking hate speech and insurrection on social media (SF402)
*Allows landlords to charge higher fees for late payments and throw away a tenant’s possessions immediately after eviction (HSB253)
*New “poll tax” before restoring someone’s right to vote (HSB231)
*Prohibits a social media company from limiting an elected official’s access to the platform (HF633)
Moving forward, the Legislature will spend more time debating bills and sending them over to the Senate as the next deadline looms in just a few weeks. We will continue to keep you updated when these and other bills of interest are being debated.
To see all the bills still eligible for consideration go to: