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The Iowa Movement for Migrant Justice calls Senate File 2340 a

Thursday, April 25, 2024

IA advocates for immigrants push back on Texas-style deportation bill

Advocates for immigrants are pushing back on a bill signed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in the last few days of the legislative session, modeled on a …

Iowa lawmakers are considering legislation that would raise income and asset limits for people with disabilities who still need to qualify for Medicaid benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates for Iowans with disabilities push for higher income limits

Iowa lawmakers are being asked to make changes to the income laws for people with disabilities. Disabilities advocates are hold an event at the …

Ben Grauer y su prometida, Danica Bird, con su perro Clark, planean casarse este oto�o. HF 2589 aumentar�a los l�mites de ingresos permitidos y activos generales para las personas con discapacidades y al mismo tiempo les permitir�a conservar los beneficios de Medicaid. (Ben Grauer)

Defensores de discapacitados en Iowa presionan por aumentar límites de ingresos

Se está pidiendo a los legisladores de Iowa que introduzcan cambios en las leyes de ingresos para las personas con discapacidades. Sus …

Organizations working for fair treatment of immigrants and refugees in Iowa are pushing back on state legislation they argued would discriminate against migrant communities. (Adobe Stock)

Groups push back on Iowa lawmakers' 'anti-immigrant' measures

Immigrants' rights advocates are pushing back on a flurry of bills in the Iowa Legislature they said would create discriminatory policies targeting mi…

Labor advocates argue SSB 3158 would unnecessarily burden Iowa's already overtaxed court system. (Adobe Stock)

Labor organizers push back on 'union-busting' bill

Labor organizers are pushing back on a measure in the Iowa Legislature they say is designed to undermine unions. It would create an additional step …

IowaAtwork.com is an interactive map of 3,240 infrastructure projects totaling more than $13 million in federal investments in Iowa. (Progress Iowa)

IA group offers successful messaging as national blueprint

An Iowa advocacy group has won a high-profile award from the Analyst Institute, which measures how well a group's message reaches citizens. …

Public policy shapes the health ecosystem and influences the accessibility of comprehensive health care, secure housing, nutritious food, quality education and jobs with livable wages, according to the National Institutes of Health. (Adobe Stock)

Physicians' group says voting benefits health, democracy

Voting is not only good for democracy - it's also good for your health, according to one of the nation's largest medical associations. The American …

The Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council is a big part of

'Civics in Action' exhibit honors Iowans with disabilities

The State Historical Society of Iowa has opened a new exhibit in its Des Moines museum. "Civics in Action" focuses on Iowans who've made …

El Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo de Iowa es una parte importante de

Exposición 'Cívica en Acción' homenajea a habitantes de Iowa con discapacidades

La Sociedad Histórica del Estado de Iowa ha abierto una nueva exposición en su museo de Des Moines. "Cívica en Acción" se centra …

If you are a victim of human trafficking or suspect you know someone who is, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline, a national 24-hour, toll-free, multilingual resource: 1-888-373-7888. (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)

IA Marks World Anti-Trafficking Day: Hotline Reports up 61%

Sunday is World Day Against Trafficking in Humans, and in Iowa state officials are calling on residents to do more to help. Reports of trafficking …

States that have implemented abortion bans saw a drop in the number of abortions, from an estimated 7,500 in Apr. 2022 to fewer than 10 abortions per month after Aug. 2022, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

ACLU of Iowa Critical of Reynolds' Special Session on Abortion

Gov. Kim Reynolds has called the Iowa Legislature back to Des Moines for a special session tomorrow to focus solely on abortion policy. The Iowa …

U.S. border patrol agents have seen a 50% drop in the number of migrants crossing the border since Title 42 expired in mid May, according to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. (Mark Moran)

Title 42 Fallout in the Heartland

A public health measure known as Title 42 was a response to the COVID-19 pandemic that allowed for immigrants to be immediately expelled if they cross…

Robert Fisher of Adel, Iowa, prevailed in his efforts to have an electronic button installed to operate the door at the local U.S. Post Office. (Robert Fisher/Iowa Council on Developmental Disabilities)

One Person's Battle Against the Post Office Prevails

A man in Adel who is part of Iowa's community of people with disabilities has been successful in having an electronic door installed at the U.S…

Robert Fisher, residente en Adel, Iowa, consigui� que se instalara un bot�n electr�nico para abrir la puerta de la oficina de correos local. (Robert Fisher, Consejo de Iowa sobre Discapacidades del Desarrollo)

La lucha de una persona facilita el acceso para los discapacitados de Iowa

Un hombre de Adel que forma parte de la comunidad de personas con discapacidad de Iowa ha conseguido que se instale una puerta electrónica en la …

Officials encourage victims to report sexual and domestic abuse to a national hotline, 800-799-7233. It provides 24/7 service in English, Spanish and 200 other languages through interpreters. (Adobe Stock)

IA Looks to Shelter Victims, Survivors of Sexual Assault

Iowa groups have spent the past month focused on finding shelter and support for victims of sexual assault, to help them stay anonymous and safe…

In January 2019, the United States had a shortage of 7 million affordable homes for low-income renters, resulting in only 37 affordable rental homes for every 100 low-income renter households, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates in Iowa Work to Make More Housing Available

Advocates are working to make 42,000 new homes available to Iowans by 2030, which is spearheading efforts to create more affordable living …

Iowans Mark Affordable Health-Care Anniversary

Iowans are marking the 13th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. Thanks to the health-care plan, Iowans have saved thousands of dollars in …

Some 37.3 million Americans, or about one in 10 people, have diabetes. About one in five don't know they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Insulin Price Cap Doesn't Apply to All Iowans Who Need It

Drug-maker Sanofi has joined two other large manufacturers in capping monthly insulin prices at $35. In Iowa, advocates for more affordable health …

Iowa currently has a graduated individual income tax, with rates ranging from 4.40% to 6.00%, according to the Tax Foundation. But that will change under recently passed laws. (Adobe Stock)

IA Senate Panel Votes to Abolish State Income Tax

The Iowa Legislature's powerful Ways and Means Committee has advanced a measure to eliminate the state income tax. The move is the latest in a series …

Members of the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council attend the signing of House Resolution 9 at the State Capitol, observing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness month in Iowa. (Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council)

Advocates Call for More Awareness, Education During Developmental Disabilities Month

To recognize Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, state lawmakers have signed a resolution to raise awareness surrounding people with …

Los miembros del Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo de Iowa asisten a la firma de la Resoluci�n 9 de la C�mara en el Capitolio del Estado, observando marzo como el mes de Concientizaci�n sobre las Discapacidades del Desarrollo en Iowa. (Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council)

Defensores piden más concientización y educación durante el Mes de Discapacidades del Desarrollo

Para reconocer el Mes de Concientización sobre las Discapacidades del Desarrollo, los legisladores estatales han firmado una resolución …

In 2021, around 132.3 million tons of poultry meat were consumed worldwide, making it the most consumed type of meat globally. Pork came in second, followed by beef and veal, according to Statista. (Adobe Stock)

USDA Proposes New Requirements for 'Product of USA' Label Claim

A proposal by the U.S. Department of Agriculture would change the rules on what foods can be labeled 'Product of USA.' Current laws contain …

Nearly 7 million students with disabilities in the U.S. make up 14% of national public school enrollment, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. (Adobe Stock)

IA School Vouchers Pose Challenges for Students with Disabilities

Advocates for Iowans with disabilities say a new "school choice" law could allow discrimination against students with disabilities. The bill …

Casi 7 millones de estudiantes con discapacidades en los EE. UU. representan el 14 % de la inscripci�n en las escuelas p�blicas nacionales, seg�n el Centro Nacional de Estad�sticas Educativas. (Adobe Stock)

Cheques escolares plantean desafíos para estudiantes con discapacidades en IA

Defensores de los habitantes con discapacidades de Iowa dicen que una nueva ley de "elección de escuela" podría permitir la discriminaci…

In 2021, the total cost of the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was around $113 billion. The significant increase from the previous year's total of $79 billion was in large part the result of extra pandemic-related benefits. (Adobe Stock)

IA Lawmakers Propose Severe Restrictions for Food Assistance

A Republican-backed bill in the Iowa Legislature seeks to put strict new limits on which foods people could buy at the grocery store using public-assi…

Iowa Takes Aim at Human Trafficking

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month and Iowa is working to address the problem by educating businesses about the potential signs and dangers…

Four out of five students (81%) say they would be more likely to intervene in instances of cyberbullying if they could do it anonymously. (Adobe Stock)">

Iowa Works to Make Reporting Cyberbullying Easier

It can be challenging for parents and caregivers to shield their children from bigotry and hatred online. In Iowa, the numbers are startling…

Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects 6.8 million adults or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% are receiving treatment. (Adobe Stock)

Depression High Among IA's LGBTQ Population

The Census Bureau has released a report that shows LGBTQ people suffered higher rates of depression, anxiety and other mental hurdles than did the …

Google launched its tracking software in 2005 as part of Google Analytics. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa to Collect $6 Million Over Google Location-Tracking Practices

Iowa will collect more than $6 million from Google over the internet giant's location-tracking practices. The settlement is part of a multi-state…

Social justice issues date back to efforts aimed at promoting equity during the Industrial Revolution. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Iowans Voice Strong Support for Progressive Ideals

Despite a heavily conservative shift in voter turnout at the ballot box in Iowa, results of a new post-midterm poll showed Iowans strongly support …

Voting groups in Iowa say because the state now has a shorter window for early voting, there might be a busier scene at county auditor offices. They say that's why you should set aside enough time to cast your ballot. (Adobe Stock)

Early Voting Under Way in Iowa

The window for early voting in Iowa has been open for several days, and some are using this week to remind registered voters across the state to take …

Los legisladores federales dicen que hay demasiadas personas con discapacidades que quieren trabajar, pero viven en la pobreza porque no han tenido la oportunidad de tener �xito en un entorno laboral integrado. (Adobe Stock)

Subvención impulsará oportunidades laborales para personas con discapacidades

Octubre es el Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre el Empleo para Personas con Discapacidades, y 14 estados, incluido Iowa, han recibido …

In response to any claims that absentee voting is prone to fraud, Iowa election leaders say the state's Voter ID law, which is required at the polls and on absentee ballot request forms, protects election integrity. (Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan Group of IA Election Leaders Team Up to Stop Disinformation

Iowa's elections are safe and secure and haven't been subject to widespread fraud. That's the message from a bipartisan group of election …

In the past year, school districts have been pressured by conservative groups to weed out certain teachings about race. But others say there should be more concern about the lack of civics curriculum. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Civics Education Needed Now More Than Ever

Over the weekend, communities in Iowa observed the 21st anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. Since those historic events, political tension has escalated…

Law experts say this weekend's prevention of a riot at an Idaho Pride event coincides with more online anti-LGBTQ comments posted by extremist groups. (Adobe Stock)

IA Group: Planned Riot Will Not Intimidate LGBTQ Community

A leading LGBTQ organization in Iowa said community members won't back down after authorities in Idaho blocked a planned riot at a Pride event there…

According to Pew Research, 53% of Americans support stricter gun laws. (Adobe Stock)

IA Gun-Reform Backers: Public Pressure Crucial After TX Shooting

This week's school shooting in Texas has evoked feelings of hopelessness in the public sphere about avoiding future tragedies in the U.S. But gun …

The Degrees When Due initiative has identified more than 39,000 Iowa students who earned college credits, but outside factors forced them to put their education on hold. (Adobe Stock)

'Degrees When Due' Helps IA College Students Get Back on Track

Iowa has seen a 5% increase in the number of college students who left school without a degree. But some campuses are making it a priority to help …

A governor's race and U.S. congressional seats are among the many contests Iowans will be deciding this year. (Adobe Stock)

IA County Auditors: Plan Big, Plan Now for Primary Vote

It's been a year since Iowa adopted sweeping election law changes. For those who haven't voted since then, local administrators say going in without …

In 1868, the Iowa Supreme Court decided the landmark Clark v. The Board of Directors, declaring segregated schools were inherently unequal. (Adobe Stock)

IA's History on Civil Liberties at a Crossroads

In the past two years, Iowa has adopted or proposed policies that stoke debate on whether the state is moving away from prioritizing the rights and …

Hundreds of Iowans have formally called on state leaders to display respectful behavior, suggesting that extremism has become too much a part of public debate. (Adobe Stock)

Faith Group: IA Leaders Need to Stomp Out Extremism

Iowa policymakers are debating a number of politically divisive issues, and as the legislative process plays out, they are being urged to avoid …

A number of leading economists have said a lack of investment in child=care infrastructure has hurt the U.S. economy by keeping more women out of the workforce. (Adobe Stock)

IA Leaders: Economic Planning Must Be More Inclusive

When plans come together for new retail centers and office buildings, policy experts and local leaders in Iowa said municipal and real-estate …

Iowa often is lauded for taking politics out of redistricting. But some say there are still representation issues, including the Legislature having only eight minority members, all of whom are in the House. (Adobe Stock)

Apart From Independent Approach, How Inclusive is IA's Redistricting?

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa has enacted new congressional and legislative boundaries now that redistricting has wrapped. Despite its reputation for an …

Anti-racism groups in Iowa say initially after George Floyd's murder, they saw promising state-level policies to address police accountability. But they contend that approach quickly changed with laws they believe make it harder to protest. (Adobe Stock)

The Intersection of Protesters' Rights and Rittenhouse Verdict

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Kyle Rittenhouse verdict is fueling a variety of perspectives. In Iowa, one viewpoint is that it's adding to what's perceived …

A majority of hate crimes in Iowa last year that were motivated by bias were anti-Black crimes. (Adobe Stock)

Hate Crimes Still a Concern in Iowa

NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa -- New FBI data show an increase in hate crimes in Iowa. Locally, ordinances have been crafted to ensure more protections for …

People living with disabilities make up roughly 30% of the U.S. workforce, although their unemployment rate is more than double the overall rate. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Companies Could Do More to Close Disability Hiring Gap

DES MOINES, Iowa - October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and advocates for people with disabilities are calling on employers to …

Las personas que viven con discapacidades constituyen aproximadamente el 30% de la fuerza laboral de EE. UU., aunque su tasa de desempleo es m�s del doble de la tasa general. (Adobe Stock)

Empresas en Iowa podrían hacer más para cerrar brecha de contratación por discapacidad

DES MOINES, Iowa - Octubre es el Mes de Concientización sobre el Empleo para Personas con Discapacidades, y los defensores de este grupo demogr&#…

LULAC of Iowa wants to know if county auditors can facilitate Spanish versions of formal election forms. (Adobe Stock)

IA Latino Group: Election Materials Shouldn't Be English-Only

DES MOINES, Iowa -- When Iowans register to vote or cast their ballot, the forms are usually just in English. A civil rights group argued the state …

Immigration policy experts say the recent wave of migrant crossings at the U.S./Mexico border might by partly the result of seasonal trends, not solely Biden administration policies. (Adobe Stock)

IA Latinos to Governor: Don't Play Politics with Immigration

DES MOINES, Iowa - Debate continues over the severity of the migrant situation at the U.S./Mexico border, and advocates for Iowa Latinos say Gov…

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IA: Social Justice