Hello West Liberty and surrounding Townships! more

Governor Reynolds has provided $1 million dollars to replace SNAP benefits if it is matched by donations from you and me. more

As the days grow shorter and the stunning colors of fall sweep across Iowa, our thoughts turn to the warmth of family, the comfort of tradition, and the joy of a shared meal. For many of our local families and elderly neighbors facing food insecurity, the approaching holiday season brings a chill of worry, not comfort. more

We’re at turning point in our country. People are realizing that the courts and Congress aren’t keeping the president in check as required by our Constitution more

What color is October? more

Why are Democrats allowing a government shutdown over enhanced tax credits that will directly affect only 7% of Americans? more

Customers at the Bread Garden in Iowa City are still shaken two days after Jorge Gonzalez was arrested while working. He was tackled, handcuffed, threatened with a taser while he screamed for help and dragged outside by two armed men in plain clothes. This happened in full view of horrified employees, patrons and their children. People continue to ask employees what happened, what Jorge did to deserve this, were the abductors ICE agents? Bread Garden employees didn’t know so they called 911. Iowa City police didn’t know either. They had not been informed. more

I am collecting your beverage cans and plastic bottles for a non-for-profit program that helps Disabled Veterans. It is called Veterans Casting Away Disabilities! The program allows Disabled Veterans to go fishing for a week to help assist them with the healing of their different physical and mental issues. more

It’s no secret that I don’t see eye to eye with our State Representative, Bobby Kaufmann, on most hot-button issues. I’m quick to speak up when I disagree with elected officials—but admittedly, I’m not always as quick to give credit when it’s deserved, especially when it comes to people I often disagree with. more

Iowa farmers are getting ready to harvest what may be the second largest crop of soybeans of all time. Despite April flooding and a July derecho, conditions are ripe for 608 million bushels of quality beans with no place to go. For the first time in over 30 years, China has not purchased any. While no one was looking, Brazil was planting and now China is their new customer. Normally, soybeans from the United States would be cheaper, but with a 30% tariff, they are not. more

Charlie Kirk was brutally murdered while answering a question about gun violence, setting off a firestorm on social media. Some are celebrating it, many are grieving, most are horrified, not least because of the fear of what is yet to come. We of 82nd Indivisible condemn the attack because we believe that political violence has no place in democracy. more

"Was your most recent electric bill higher than usual? It is not a glitch. Iowa has lower electricity rates than average and a reliable power grid, but we can no longer take this for granted ..." more

"In the history of our country, only one group of people has ever benefited from the division we’re suffering right now – the wealthiest. The robber barons and oligarchs (and their mouthpieces) pit us against each other ..." more

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness August 2024 report, the homeless population in Iowa has increased by 56% since 2023. The reasons for this range from low wages, a shortage of affordable housing, insufficient health insurance and lack of mental health support to substance abuse and flight from domestic violence. While Iowa has one of the lowest homeless populations of any state, our percentage of homeless people increased three times more in 2024 than in the nation as a whole. more

By state law, K-12 teachers in Iowa cannot go on strike. If they do, they could lose their jobs, go to jail and be forced to pay fines. This has been true since 2017 when the Iowa Legislature kicked the teeth out of public unions and put their boots on the necks of teachers. But that was only the beginning. more

One of the uses of A.I. is its role in determining eligibility for social services.  more

As sweeping federal and state policy changes take effect in 2025, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Iowa are being reduced—worsening hunger across the state and placing greater strain on food banks and struggling families. more

The 82nd Indivisible group that I belong to agrees that like so many policy changes these days, at first glance it appears to be a good thing: Medicaid for new moms in Iowa is being extended now for the first 12 months of life. Unfortunately, there is a catch. The number of mothers and babies covered by this law is severely restricted. According to the nonpartisan Legislative Service Agency fiscal, a single mom with a baby now can make no more than $29,000 a year to qualify. more

No one is asking how, for the first time in history, we’re getting something for nothing, like lowering taxes without suffering fewer public services? more

Trump's coup rolls on with the help of Iowa Republicans.  Senators Grassley and Ernst, along with Representative Miller-Meeks, seemed almost giddy when discussing their "Yes" votes on the "Big Bad Bill".  They seem to forget their oath to protect the Constitution of the United States and not one man. The legislators are supposed to be a check on the excesses of the Executive Branch. It is their job to make things a little easier for Iowans to get by, not to extend tax cuts for the super rich.   more