Half a million students are enrolled in Iowa’s public schools. And because Iowa charges students for meals, some rack up lunchroom debt and others go hungry. Studies show hunger impacts academic performance, classroom behavior, as well as overall health and even test scores. But so far, the powers that be in Iowa aren’t interested.

On this episode of Cornhole Champions, host Zachary Oren Smith chats with Sen. Janice Weiner (D-Iowa City) about why year-after-year this policy goes nowhere in the Iowa Legislature which convenes again next week. Also, hear from Democrat Mike Zimmer who is running to flip a Clinton County Senate seat blue.

This week, Chase Seibert guest hosts offering the analysis he’s becoming famous for on TikTok (@burnerlearner) and Insta (@theseibert).

Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line with music by Avery Mossman. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative. For more, check out its roundup of local writers.

Links:

* First Story - Chuck Grassley: Iowa's veteran lawmaker once again third in line for presidency (Iowa Starting Line)

* Second Story - Rita Hart reelected to lead Iowa Democrats in 2025 (Iowa Starting Line)

* Third Story - Iowa Republicans want to cut property taxes. (The Gazette)

Guests:

* Sen. Janice Weiner of Iowa City is a Democrat representing State Senate District 45. She was elected to lead the Democratic caucus as minority leader of the Iowa Senate.

* Mike Zimmer is the Democratic candidate running in the Special Election to fill Senate District 35. He is the president of Central DeWitt School Board and owner of Mike Zimmer Construction.

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