LETTER: Pushing back

Recently I attended a vigil and rally with over 150 Iowans at our Des Moines Capitol called ‘Defeat the Bayer Cancer Gag Act.’ It is called SSB 1051 and is known as the ‘pesticide immunity bill’. If passed, it would protect Bayer from lawsuits filed by Iowans with cancer, Parkinson’s disease and birth defects directly linked to the use of glyphosate, popularly known as “Roundup.”

Big Ag, lobbyists and Iowa legislators pushing the bill say these lawsuits from private citizens are what is increasing the cost of Roundup. Not true. They say this bill will hurt farmers and make Roundup less available. Also not true. No one in Iowa is proposing a ban on Roundup. Iowans will continue to buy the product.

They want us to believe this bill would protect farmers. Nope. It only protects billionaire corporations like Bayer. We had the opportunity to speak with our senators about the bill. I approached Senator Tom Shipley extending my hand, introducing myself and thanking him for speaking with me.

What I didn’t expect was his anger, open hostility and defensiveness. His face became red and he spoke with such force I felt spittle on my face. I took a step back and asked him to stay calm. I told him I was surprised and disappointed at his anger and defensiveness. I had hoped we could have a civil conversation about his thoughts on this bill and to share why I thought it would be harmful for Iowans.

I realized his tactic was to intimidate, throw me off course and shut me up. He said I accused him of not caring for Iowans. There had been no accusations. I did say voting for this bill would sure look like Iowa legislators cared more to protect billionaire companies rather than Iowans harmed by pesticides.

Long ago, politicians began putting profit over people and party over country. The goals of these conglomerates like Bayer are no secret: to sell more product and make more money, no matter the harm done. The heat is on Bayer in winning this bill in the Iowa legislature. If this bill passes in Iowa, it will set the stage for Bayer to do the same in other states.

They may think Iowa is an easy target. Let’s prove them wrong and keep pushing back. The bill didn’t pass in 2024, but it’s up for a vote again soon. Urge your legislatures to vote “no” against “Bayer’s Cancer Gag Act” that would block Iowa victims from holding the pesticide industry accountable. Writing, emailing and calling your legislature makes a difference. I’m hopeful that folks will have a more positive mature interaction than I had with Senator Tom Shipley.

Finally, there are some great groups of hard working Iowans that are fighting for clean water, air and a healthier Iowa. Join them. Support them however you can” Food & Water Watch, Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI), Iowa Environmental Council and Progress Iowa.