As the race for Democratic National Convention chair enters into the final stretch in February, many branches of the party are hosting forums with the seven major contenders. The national party’s Disability Caucus plans on hosting a virtual forum this upcoming Sunday, February 12th, at 7:00 pm CST.
Former Iowa Senator Tom Harkin and former California Senator Tom Coelho will co-host the discussion. They were the co-sponsors of the Americans with Disabilities Act, passed back in 1990.
Iowa’s Catherine Crist is also playing a key role in organizing and moderating the forum. She’s the national co-chair of the Association of Democratic Disability Caucuses, as well as the chair of Iowa’s Disability Caucus.
Seven of the DNC candidates are scheduled to participate: Sally Boynton Brown of Idaho, Raymond Buckley of New Hampshire, Pete Buttigieg of Indiana, Keith Ellison of Minnesota, Jehmu Greene of Texas, Jaime Harrison of South Carolina and Tom Perez of Maryland.
The forum will be held through a conference call, which will use the CART system (a real-time captioning service for people with certain disabilities). It’ll last 90 minutes and give the candidates a chance to lay out their ideas on how to build an inclusive party and take questions from the call attendees. Advocates are particularly interested in encouraging the DNC contenders to develop plans to better involve people with disabilities in the party, as well as ensure Democrats actively campaign for their community’s vote.
People interested in signing up for the call can do so here, but they have to register by Wednesday night. Those who want to use the CART system should then email [email protected].
The DNC convenes a meeting on February 23 to vote for the next chair.
by Pat Rynard
Posted 2/6/17
Politics
How to apply for a job in the American Climate Corps
The Biden administration announced its plans to expand its New Deal-style American Climate Corps (ACC) green jobs training program last week. ...
Biden makes 4 million more workers eligible for overtime pay
The Biden administration announced a new rule Tuesday to expand overtime pay for around 4 million lower-paid salaried employees nationwide. The...
Local News
No more Kum & Go? New owner Maverik of Utah retiring famous brand
Will Kum & Go have come and gone by next year? One new report claims that's the plan by the store's new owners. The Iowa-based convenience store...
Here’s a recap of the biggest headlines Iowa celebs made In 2023
For these famous Iowans, 2023 was a year of controversy, career highlights, and full-circle moments. Here’s how 2023 went for the following Iowans:...