Tom O'Donnell for HD87

10/02/2026

Lawmakers are in Des Moines today to debate incentives for the huge steel mill project. It clearly would be a boon to the region – across parts of three states – and I really hope it would be. God knows southeast Iowa needs a boost.

But there are many things to worry about: The company involved has a sketchy history of broken promises and poor finances. The announcement comes just before an election that the controlling party knows will be bad for it. The legislature is being asked to decide in one day about incentives for a plant that would take three years to build. The rush is inexplicable.

This federal administration has a history of making promises, boasting about accomplishments that never materialize, and leaving local residents and taxpayers behind. Let's take a breath and come back to this in January.

Mesabi Metallics, the company behind a proposed Iowa steel plant, and its parent, India's Essar Group, have a troubled history.

10/01/2026

When people ask me if I've served in the Iowa Legislature, I say no.

That's a lie.

I served one day, in 1977, as a high school senior. It was a model session of the Iowa House of Representatives. Here I am, complete with ridiculously wide tie.

When I'm elected and sworn in next year, it will be 50 years since I last spoke on the House floor.

I've learned a lot since then, including humility and empathy.

I won't say this whetted my appetite to serve Iowa as a lawmaker. I chose to do so in other ways. But now I'm ready to work with folks in southeast Iowa to strengthen rural hospitals and schools, clean our rivers and lakes, and keep seniors safe in care centers.

Send me back to Des Moines.

odonnellforhouse87.com

10/01/2026

I just left a town hall in Salem to discuss opening a charter school to take the place of the elementary that Mt. Pleasant schools was forced to close. The leadership group has an ambitious and well-designed plan, but it faces obstacles - especially a big reliance on the same state financial source that Republicans have underfunded for at least a decade. We must boost state school aid if Salem United and all rural schools are to succeed. That requires new leadership at the Capitol.

09/28/2026

Apparently the steel plant rumor is true. This could be a huge benefit for southeast Iowa, including adjoining House District 87. Many unanswered questions, however. We can't give away the store for this, with massive incentives and regulatory exemptions that privatize the profits but burden residents and taxpayers. Construction workers must be local union members to ensure quality work and good pay. Any development agreement must allow workers to unionize. No eminent domain for private gain. And if you think data centers consume water and power while generating noise and pollutants, wait till a steel mill opens next door. So lots to be settled and sealed before things move. Lawmakers must take their time, not rush into a deal via a special session.

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2026/09/21/steel-plant-mesabi-metallics-lee-county-land-iowa/91794870007/

09/28/2026

Meat-eater or vegetarian, Jefferson County folks want to keep their hospital and clinics open. Unfortuantely, Medicaid changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act already are leading to fewer paying patients at some facilities. And privatization has complicated reimbursement.

Let's reverse privatization, work to improve reimbursement, and attract staff. Our rural residents depend on it.

Join us! odonnellforhouse87.com

09/26/2026

Sister Jodi joined Paula and me, with Van Buren County Democratic chair Deb Woodward and husband Wally for the Harmony Homecoming parade in Farmington today. The rain stopped and a great crowd welcomed our stickers, drink coasters and toffees. We had fun and saw many friends. One more parade and we'll have a perfect attendance record this year! Great work on the float, Wally!

09/26/2026

I've long been curious about the Keosauqua Sale Barn, but was nervous about visiting alone as a newbie. Fortunately, I found an expert: Steve "Peewee" Kisling, who has worked in such operations for more than 40 years. I learned A LOT about how animals are marketed and for what purposes. Fascinating, and a real slice of Iowa farm life. Thanks, Peewee.

09/24/2026

Paula and I were pleased to support area schools at the Teacher Appreciation Night. The educators from several districts quickly exhausted our offerings. I wore my shirt saying "STRONG PUBLIC SCHOOLS = STRONG COMMUNITIES" – a message I truly believe. As I told several teachers, it's embarrassing that they must rely on charities to equip their classrooms. In other countries, this would be considered weird. In the U.S., we've normalized underfunding schools to the point teachers must pay for their supplies. Let's start treating education as a vital public good, not a charity. odonnellforhouse87.com

09/22/2026

This one's for the Henry County tractor fanciers. (I know you're out there.) It's also for anyone in a care center – or who has a relative or friend in a care center – and for anyone who lives near, plays in or fishes in our rivers and streams.

Iowans deserve to live out their days in safety and dignity. That means better pay and training for care center staff, high standards and effective enforcement.

They deserve water that won't sicken and kill them.

Working together, we can achieve it. odonnellforhouse87.com

09/20/2026

We were in Fairfield this morning for the Kiwanis Kids Day festivities, including the parade. A highlight: the riders from Escaramuza Quetzallii, Mexican equestrians dressed in beautiful clothes and riding talented horses.