Johnson County Supervisor Pat Heiden remembers exactly where she was when the Roe v. Wade decision was made in 1973 by the U.S. Supreme Court.

“I was a freshman at the University of Kansas and we celebrated this right that we could make decisions regarding our own bodies,” she said. “I can’t believe that we’re still talking about this today.”

At its formal session May 19, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation supporting the Roe v. Wade decision and “a person’s right to make personal healthcare decisions in consultation with their physician.”

The current U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether to reverse the 1973 decision and allow states to restrict or prohibit abortions.

“I’m tired, but I will continue to fight for my daughters, my granddaughters, for all women everywhere,” Heiden said. “We will continue this fight for as long as it takes.”

“What this is is patriarchy,” said Supervisor Jon Green, former Lone Tree mayor. “It is people in a position of power trying to deprive other folks, particularly women, but other folks as well of their bodily autonomy, of your ability to set your own course, to make you less than full citizens. We have to fight like hell against it.”

Supervisor Lisa Green-Douglass said she gave birth to triplets, but at the time was offered a choice of selected reduction.

“I was given that right to choose,” she said. “That needs to be my decision and my decision alone.”

The board is expected to approve the spring budget amendment at its formal session May 26. A public hearing was held May 19, but there was no public comment.

The revisions to the Fiscal Year 2022 budget include an additional $16 million in revenue, mostly due to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and an additional $2.2 million in expenditures. Dana Aschenbrenner, Finance Director, said the amendment does not change FY22 property taxes.

The ARPA Leadership Team presented an update to the board at the May 18 working session, including a report on the Direct Assistance Program. The application period will close at 2 p.m. Friday. As of last week, 1700 applications had been received. The $3.5 million program co-funded by Johnson County and Iowa City ARPA funds will award one-time payments of $1,400 to eligible Johnson County residents.

“This is incredible,” Heiden said. “I mean, just absolutely amazing where we started and where we’re at.”

The board will hold its next formal meeting at 9 a.m. May 26.