Edie Waldstein (edie.waldstein@gmail.com), Waverly Branch – Public Policy Chair

Iowa AAUW Public Policy Priorities:  

Resources:

AAUW National 2025-2027 Public Policy Priorities (Voted in April 2025)

AAUW Tips for Advocating – Interfaith Alliance 2025 (source: Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Jan. 2025)

AAUW National’s Response to 2024 Election Results

AAUW Iowa Lobby Day Schedule – February 2026 – Date TBA

Contact Edie Waldstein (edie.waldstein@gmail.com) or Kim Folkers (kimberly.folkers@wartburg.edu) if interested in attending

Lobby Day provides each of us an opportunity to visit the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines to have a direct effect on the making of sound laws and public policy.  Legislators depend on us for accurate, factual information on how proposed legislation will affect Iowa’s women, girls and families.  Our focus is on public education, economic security, and gender equality.

Carpooling from Waverly is typically available if desired.  Depart Waverly 6:45 a.m. (contact kimberly.folkers@wartburg.edu)

 Schedule: Depart Waverly at 6:45 a.m. Meet at the Capitol from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in Room 305 in the Capitol. (Note: Room 305 has been reserved for us to meet with legislators, however, should a committee meeting be called, we may have to adjust our meeting place.)

Participants will each receive an AAUW name badge or bring yours if you already have one.

We’ll review tips for communicating with legislators, House and Senate procedures for contacting legislators, information about issues, and dismiss to talk with legislators. Selected legislators may meet with us if their schedules allow.

If possible, prior to Lobby Day, schedule a time to meet with legislators you want to connect with.

Lunch is on your own. (There is a cafeteria in the Capitol.) This may be a good time to meet with legislators. We’ll reconvene in Room 305 at 1:00 for a brief wrap-up before you head home.

Parking/Capitol Entrance: Visitor parking lots (#’s 2,6, 7, 9, 11, 15, 26, 28) are shown in green or black (3, 4, 5, 16) on the Iowa Capitol Complex map. Enter Capitol at South Entrance and go through Security.

Meeting Room: Once you’re through Security, go to Capitol Tours, take a left and walk to the end of the hall. On your right is an opening. Go into it and you will see the elevator that will take you to the hallway on the side of the third floor where Room 305 is located.

Iowa 92nd General Assembly, January 2026

The Iowa General Assembly will convene on January , 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in both the House and Senate. The Democratic and Republican Caucuses have met prior to the session to outline their priorities.

Need to update the following:

Democratic Priorities:

Defending and protecting public education.

Defending reproductive freedom.

Legalizing marijuana for adult use. Lowering costs for Iowa families.

Republican Priorities:

Improving education outcomes. Maintaining a safe and secure Iowa. Ensuring Iowa’s strong economy.

Keeping government transparent and efficient.

Speaker Grassley stated that feedback from their priority caucus gives reason to focus on standards and curriculum in education, especially in history and civics instruction.

Minority Leader in the House Konfrst stated they were looking at lowering costs for Iowa families to address housing, childcare and other costs facing families. Representative Konfrst also stated regarding abortion, the House Democrats have legislation filed and ready to go.

Representative Grassley stated they would be taking a different approach. They will wait and see how the issue plays out in the court before they make a decision to do anything.

Public Policy Tools –

Go to our Public Policy Page for more info

Smoking Gun – Gun Violence and the Gun Industry

AAUW 2-Minute Activist  – click here for quick ways to take timely action on key issues (one of the best benefits of our AAUW membership!)

Helpful AAUW Guidelines for Writing Newspaper Articles/Letters to the Editor

Congressional Voting Record:

https://www.aauwaction.org/voter-education/congressional-voting-record/

Issues:

ERA Video 2022 – Hard Won, Not Done – Let’s Push to Ensure Women Have Equal Rights – Finally!

Lobby Day in Des Moines at the State Capitol (takes place every February) –

(Members Kim Folkers and Ann Henninger pictured here)