Photo: Steyer talks to Manning leaders and media at Heartland Market (which is slated to close) with owner (left) Nick Graham
Tom Steyer, one of the 14 remaining Democratic Presidential candidates, came to Manning on Thursday, starting the new year at a rural business that is slated for closure in the coming weeks. Owner of Heartland Market, Nick Graham, says that he has been battling to keep an ever-shrinking slice of the grocery pie; pointing out that even big box home improvement stores are diving into food sales. Steyer says this is an example of the undue stress being put on farmers and the rural economy by “corporate vulture capitalism.”
Steyer says that this, the consolidation of schools and cuts in school spending along with the closing of health centers and mental health facilities is an attack on the prosperity and future of rural Iowa.
Climate is Steyer’s number one priority and he says positive changes in that realm requires a strong partnership with farmers across the nation.
Taking on trade issues and large corporations, including big oil, are also things Steyer says he is ready to do if elected. Under his watch, he promises to do away with all waivers that give some refineries the ability to bypass the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and get by without blending a certain percentage of their product with biofuels.
We will bring you more from Steyer on his fourth-quarter fundraising, wages and his plans for the nation’s infrastructure in upcoming newscasts.
